Democracy is more than voting

EDMONTON—With four days to go before the September 17th nominations day, a new province-wide campaign calls on young people to get active in the upcoming municipal and school board elections.“Democracy is more than just voting,” says Lisi Monro, Vice President Academic of NAIT Student Association and Board member with Public Interest Alberta. “We want to give young people the tools to get more involved in the municipal and school board elections. Young people do care about their communities, but are often unaware of how to participate in the democratic process and far too many do not see their concerns reflected in candidates priorities.”“We will be engaging all the candidates by hosting public forums and conducting an extensive on-line candidate survey on issues that matter to young people,” says Justin Benko, President of MacEwan Student Association. “Many students want to see what municipal governments are actually going to do about our environment and want real action to support those who are struggling to go to school, work and make ends meet.”“Edmonton needs to be a student-friendly city,” says Steven Dollansky, Vice President External of the U of A Students’ Union. “We need to provide affordable housing, expand public transit, and support arts, culture and recreation programs that are essential components of a vibrant and youthful Edmonton.”“Through this campaign we hope young people can learn more about school board issues and help to make boards more responsive to the public,” says Kendra Bruseker, a recent graduate from the Faculty of Education, representing the Alberta Teachers Association. “The decisions being made by school boards today, will have a lasting impact on the quality of education in Alberta.”Take Back Your City is a non-partisan campaign coordinated by Public Interest Alberta in connection with student unions and associations throughout the province, with the assistance of several provincial organizations, unions and advocacy groups.- 30 -