The Martlet

Only a few years ago, I could proudly proclaim that I didn’t belong to any political party. 

Being a political junkie, I wasn’t adverse to politics, but I was always wary of pigeon-holing myself politically.

I was aware of the fact that I didn’t always agree with any one party. 

As my interest in politics grew, I decided that it was important for me to get involved, to learn more about the process, and to have an impact on those around me.

To do this, I knew I would have to join a party.

Deciding which party to join wasn’t difficult for me.  As someone interested in social and environmental justice issues, the New Democratic Party was the party that best reflected my values. 

I took the plunge and in the short time that I had been formally involved, I had the opportunity to shape party policy, and soon became the president of a constituency association.

Finally, I had the opportunity to reach out to my community and echo its voices back to the party.

Many socially progressive people find the idea of joining a political party appalling. 

They may be supportive of the substantive ideas put forward by a party, but they have no interest in the “political” aspect of politics.

Negative campaigning further reinforces this aversion — an aversion that, while understandable, becomes self-defeating.

The party that holds government has a tremendous impact on the level of social justice in our society. 

Determining who we are governed by is too important an issue for us to just sit on the sidelines and watch happen. Becoming involved does make a difference.

So give it a try: become involved, learn more and have an impact.