Let’s face it, we've all been there. Whether it's at your family dinner with your uncles debating the usefulness of government or receiving a letter from Elections Canada for an upcoming election, we’ve all asked ourselves...does any of this even matter? What's the point of casting a ballot? It's just one vote, right? How could that possibly change an election outcome? Even if I do vote or send an email to my counselor, will it make any difference? Maybe I should use that time for something more productive.
But if you're reading this article on The Canadian Muslim Vote (TCMV), chances are you already know the answer. It does matter! Things like voting and civic engagement are key to a strong and functioning democracy. Trust me, I get it. It’s daunting to look at issues such as housing prices, access to healthcare, climate change and wonder how calling my Member of Parliament will change that. But give me 8 minutes of your time and we can let’s explore this further.
But what is civic engagement to begin with?
At its core, civic engagement occurs when individuals unite to enhance the civic and overall quality of life within their community. It manifests in diverse forms such as volunteering, educating, advocating, and more, encompassing both political and apolitical actions. Essentially, civic engagement entails citizens actively participating in shaping decisions and policies that impact their lives.
Why is it important?
Whether through volunteering, emailing, or participating in marches, these actions amplify our voices and secure us a place at the decision-making table. Once there, we can ensure that decisions reflect our community's values and aspirations.
Consider housing as an example. Although it’s a nuanced issue, one factor that led the crisis to get to where it is now is due simply not enough young and diverse voices advocating for fair housing. Many older Canadians have substantial wealth tied up in their homes, which incentivizes them to support policies that drive property values upward. It probably won't surprise you that these boomers are also the ones who donate the most to political campaigns, show up at town halls in droves, and drop a call to their representative when a penny sized pothole appears. So imagine whose voice was prioritized.
But there are also plenty of examples of where civic engagement has worked for the better. Recall the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, prompting President Kennedy to advance civil rights legislation. Similarly, the protests following George Floyd's murder sparked global discussions on policing and human rights. More recently, widespread social media outreach and advocacy led the Ontario government to reverse its decision on Greenbelt expansion, demonstrating how public mobilization can shift political priorities.
These examples underscore the transformative potential of civic engagement in challenging and reshaping societal norms and policies. By actively participating in civic life, individuals and communities can drive meaningful change and ensure that their voices are heard and respected in shaping the future.
How does one civically engage?
Now that we've explored the what and why, let's explore some methods on how we can contribute.
- Voting: It's straightforward but crucial. Casting your vote is one of the most powerful ways to get your voices heard as it chooses who YOU want to represent your interests. Think one vote doesn’t matter? In the Ontario provincial election in 2022, around 17 seats were decided with a margin of less than 5 percent!!! (that’s a couple hundred votes). Even if the person you vote for doesn’t win, parties use voting information to gauge the changing perspectives in their ridings (e.g., if the NDP gets more votes compared to the previous election, it signals constituents are potentially becoming more progressive).
- Contacting: Whether through email, phone calls, or visiting the offices of your local Member of Parliament (MP), Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), or city councilor, reaching out is a powerful way to raise concerns or draw attention to important issues.
- Volunteering: There are numerous opportunities to get involved, whether with political parties, grassroots organizations, or local community centers like your neighbourhood mosque. Volunteering might involve canvassing for a political campaign, organizing community events, or mobilizing voter turnout.
- Education and learning: lStaying informed about global issues, understanding how government operates, and identifying local community challenges are crucial steps towards informed civic engagement. Hosting voter education sessions or workshops on pertinent issues not only enriches your understanding but also empowers others to participate actively.
- Attending community meetings/public hearings: Local councilors frequently hold town hall meetings in venues like school gyms to discuss matters such as bicycle lanes and housing. Participating in these gatherings provides an opportunity to shape the development of your community and directly influence local decision-making processes.
- Organizing and attending rallies: When thousands of people gather at rallies advocating for causes like the liberation of Palestine, their collective voice resonates strongly. The unified chants exert pressure on leaders to respond. Through sustained public pressure, we've witnessed leaders issuing statements and taking definitive stances.
- Petitions: Launching a petition and rallying others to sign it is an effective method for raising awareness about pressing issues. The House of Commons provides an online platform where petitions can be created and signed. After it receives enough signatures, it gets tabled by the government. You can see more here: Home - Petitions (ourcommons.ca)
- Donating $$$: it's like the age old saying, money talks. And believe me, people listen when you start waving that Amex around. Contributing to political parties shows them you care about the issues they are fighting for. Donating to advocacy groups like National Council for Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and TCMV (totally not a shameless plug), ensures that grassroots organizations can lobby, advocate, and support communities.
- Social Media Activism: posting about issues or information on your platforms engages those that follow you. Although it has its flaws, social media is also a good place to allow for individuals to have conversations with each other about various topics.
- Running for office: okay I'll admit...this one is a bit of doozy. But at the same time, diversifying the voices in positions of power is essential for driving meaningful change. Before considering running, I'd suggest applying for the TCMV Fellowship (okay this is a shameless plug)
Conclusion
Finally, patience is crucial. Unfortunately, things like housing policy don't operate like Amazon Prime and change overnight. Changes made today sometimes take months if not years to take effect. That's why it's essential to consistently hold our leaders accountable and maintain pressure over time. Drawing on a religious perspective, the Quran emphasizes patience more than 90 times, underscoring its importance in civic engagement as well.
To conclude, as a community, we cannot rely solely on others to advocate for us. To ensure our voices are heard and our needs met, we must actively participate in decision-making processes. We’re seeing this firsthand with the Palestine-Israel conflict. Years of lobbying, funding, and support from various organizations have influenced governmental responses not only recently but over the past 50 years. It's an ongoing effort that requires persistent dedication.
Ultimately, the outcomes rest with Allah, and we trust in His wisdom.
A personal note from the author
I’d like to share a personal reflection about why I care about civic engagement. This is extra so feel free to get started on one of the activities above, make tea, or watch paint dry. Whatever’s your fancy.
I think back to when I first got my taste in democracy, drank the Kool Aid if you will. I was 16 in my international law class, when I learned about the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong. I found myself so captivated by the experience, mainly because the bulk of individuals protesting and leading the movement were so close to my age. While I was obsessed with scoring bicycle kicks on FIFA 14, these students were out there and going toe to toe against the Chinese government (who, as a refresher, don’t take too kindly to protest) all so that they’d be able to vote for people that best represent their interests.
Growing up in Canada, I hadn’t faced such challenges to my democratic rights. Witnessing students bravely confront riot police armed only with umbrellas left a lasting impression on me. It underscored the importance of defending our democratic freedoms, imperfect as they may be. By uniting our efforts, we can foster vibrant, thriving communities where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
Links to view:
Civic Engagement - What is civic engagement? (thepolicycircle.org)