Civic engagement
History offers many examples of cultural and societal changes that began with one person, or a small group of like-minded people, moved by their beliefs and convictions to make the world a more compassionate, just and loving place. And not just a few rich, famous or powerful people – think of Viola Desmond (now on our $10 bill), Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (later known as Mother Teresa) or the unidentified man who stood in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Canadian society can also be shaped by everyday individuals. Listen to what a Member of Parliament shared with a member of our EFC team: I know an issue is important in my riding if five of my constituents contact me by a letter or a phone call. That MP referred specifically to personal, heartfelt communication as opposed to a form letter or petition.
That confirmed for us what we suspected: Even as EFC staff track what is happening in Parliament, inform people and communicate with parliamentarians, this work is most effective when MPs hear the same messages from their constituents.
A particularly effective way to engage in your community is to develop positive relationships before there is a problem or concern. Take the initiative to make contact with your elected officials and the organizations in your community. Attend a summer barbeque, for example, or congratulate a new MP on being elected. Join local groups in serving your community.
A community leader’s perception of Christians or church attenders will be more positive when you serve alongside them to meet neighbourhood needs.
If you can meet in person with your MP to discuss your concerns or ideas, even better. Here are some tips for an effective meeting:
• Be prepared.
◊ Identify one issue you would like to raise with your MP, the reasons it’s important and the action you would like the MP to take.
◊ Bring some notes or background information to remind you of your points.
It’s also helpful to have one or two pages (at most) of information to leave with the MP about the issue or action you would like them to take.
• Use a respectful and reasonable tone. Think about how your MP may understand your concern and how your requested action may fit within the MP’s priorities. Treat your MP as you would like to be treated.
• Thank your MP and their assistant for taking the time to meet with you. Consider sending a follow-up email or note to thank them for their time again and remind them of the action you requested. /FT ◊
– JULIA BEAZLEY, director of public policy for the EFC
“Thinking through the ‘how’ of engagement can be just as important as the ‘what’ of engagement. Christian citizens about to engage in the work of advocacy, even just sending one letter or making a single phone call to an MP, will strengthen their impact by spending a few moments thinking about the tone they wish to take, and consciously adopting a posture of collaboration and love for neighbour.”