by Manon van Mil
It’s easier to come by information on candidates for mayor or city councillor than public school trustee, even though trustees directly impact children and youth’s lives. Take these three steps to inform your vote on Municipal Election Day, Monday, October 22nd, 2018.
Step 1: Reflect
Reflect on your own values related to education, and don’t hold back. What do you think is the purpose of school? Are there core skills every child should have an opportunity to develop? Are there programs, resources, and other forms of support that every child should be able to access? If not at school, where? Trustees help make it all happen. Or not.
Reflect, also, on the leadership strengths you value. Do you care whether your local advocate for public education is committed to democracy? Transparency? Human decency?
Step 2: Research
Who are your candidates? No, who are they really? You can learn all their names readily enough, but you will need to know more about them to make an informed decision. Do their values align with your own? Will they work towards improving our education system?
A citizen group can help you at this stage. For example, Uniting for Children and Youth (UCY) in Ottawa, ON has compiled resources already – so learning about your candidates can take as little as ten minutes.
If you’re in Ottawa, find your zone and OCDSB candidates here, then read their responses to questions UCY shared related to Democratic Values, Systemic Innovation, Youth Empowerment, Equity and Inclusion, and Well-Being. Consider not only the content of your candidate’s response, but the substance. Are they knowledgeable about the subject at hand? Are they responsive to those they wish to serve?
Step 3: Vote!
For some reason, many people find this the hardest part! You need your voter notification card and personal identification showing your name, signature, and address. If you don’t have ID, you will be asked to vote under oath.
This year, vote – for a public school trustee who you believe will improve children and youth’s lives.
