I'm adding some links under the Social 30-1 Links on this page to help you out with your USA-Canada Political System Comparison Chart assignment (which is due next Thursday). Here some websites that I think will help (permanent links will appear on the right-hand side of the blog under Social 30-1 Links):
We also did some small group discussions about four questions related to democracy. Usually I have students post answers to these questions again for homework check marks. While we were having our class discussion today though another idea hit me. Given that we have had a recent federal election in Canada, I would like you to post comments here on the blog answering the following question:
How can Canadian political leaders increase civic engagement among young people in Canada? What can they do appeal to young voters such as yourselves in the next federal election? When you post your comments, please post with your
first name, last name initial and what class you're in (Kevin G. in Social 30-1 Period 3). Please take this homework assignment seriously, if the quality of answers is high and the answers are strong I will pass on your ideas to the appropriate MPs and other politicians. This is also worth
double homework check marks! You have one week to post your answer on the blog on this day's post.
We finished watching the video that we started yesterday called the Other Side of Outsourcing. I also went through a PowerPoint presentation with you the I will be sending to you this evening. Tomorrow we'll be watching a very pro-globalization video called Globalization is Good.
47 comments:
Canadian political leaders could increase civic engagement of young people by discussing topics that are interesting to us. These things might be, lowering tuition costs, taxes on food for students (especially those short on money) and decreasing transit costs for students as well (more than they already have). Other things might be, more promotion of sports in schools and communities, as the sports I play (ringette and field hockey) get extremely low amounts of funding from the government where as sports like hockey and football receive larger amounts of money. In schools, they could also allocate more money for gym equipment, as about 75% of all the balls in our gym storage room are flat and have holes in them. I think there should also be more of a shift to electronic textbooks and study material to cut down on paper costs and the cost of books for the ability to spend that money else where.
Meghan T. Social 30-1 Per. 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people through social networking sites, such as facebook, twitter and youtube. This was evident in Calgary's latest election, as Naheed Nenshi was able to get many votes from the younger audience by "twittering". This connection shows the readiness to listen and involve the younger generation of Canada.
Politicians could appeal to younger voters by introducing ideas that would actually affect this group, such as increasing funding for universities, decreasing/subsidizing tuition fees, and/or creating more job opportunities targeted at the younger audience. As well increased promotion (through subsidies) in both athletic and the arts would allow for more opportunities to be involved in the community or in teams/clubs. As well, during the 2011 Election Debate, crime and gangs amongst the youth was touched on. These types of teams would get kids out of violence and destructive behaviour and into a sheltered environment.
Aaron L, Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada in a multitude of ways. The simplest way, would be to encourage policies that directly involve the younger population. As an earlier commenter suggested, changes to school budgets or textbooks that make the lives of students easier are generally well recieved among high school students. I would bet if a candidate had a "No Lanyards in School" policy, they would become ppoular in the eyes of younger voters. If young people feel that voting for a specific candidate will impact their lives in a strong enough fashion, I believe they will make the effort to vote. Being involved with youth in some mannor such as social networking sites or other popular media also goes a long way toward sustaining a likable public image. Its the funny, memorable, and likable people that tend to capture the popular youth vote. Nenshi appeared on the Rick Mercer report, and US President Obama has plenty of great media appearances. For instanced, try searching "Obama kills a fly like a ninja" on youtube. Many youth don't even pay a whole lot of attention to the politics behind leaders initially. If a leader seems like a genuinely great guy/girl, I believe they appeal to the majority of young voters.
Cameron M, Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders could increase civic engagement of young people through mass media precipitation. Using social network websites such as facebook and myspace, politicians will be able to reach mast amounts of young people. Posting videos on youtube will be great as well, comments will sure be discussed and view points can be made up by the people. Television ads, text remainders, and just a easy phone call will get the young generation involved with politics and make them more informed about whats going on in the country. If politicians start to do campaigning on facebook, it will get me more aware of the situation the country is in, as well as spreading the word about each political group, there can be pools done on social networking websites to see who's the most popular party. Also, twitter can be used to great potential where if a politician "tweet" something, mass amount of people will be able to see what's on the politician's mind which will get them involved.
Robert L, Social 30-1 Period 3
In order for Canadian political leaders to increase civic engagements these leaders need to connect with young people on what’s important to them. Federal representatives need to make sure their cause and direction is in line with the values of today’s young people. My person values include affordable education, preservation of the environment and continuous employment opportunities. For the government to connect to my values and spark my interest, they must support a positive improving position. These politicians can’t just support the idea of positive improvements they must act upon strong tangible policies. Policies that are that can be clearly understood by young people using comprehendible language. Strategies to connect with young people include exploiting social media such as facebook and twitter. This approach can advance their political message much faster as these media network are continuously growing on a daily basis. Having the representatives present in the local High Schools will attract the student population to become active in political activities. These leaders need to educate new voters on what values each party represents. And lastly, if political parties used creative and exciting events to attract the youth, voter turnout may increase significantly. Events such as rallies with well known musicians performing may encourage youth to support one particular party.
Megan S, Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among Canada's youth by actively reaching out and making political matters a prevalent concern in young citizens lives. To do this they must work to expand their campaigning fields to involve youth in their own environment. They need to reach out and encourage involvement of youth by providing information through various social media outlets that a vast majority of youth use today. A more extreme strategy would be to lower the voting age to a pre highschool age and then political leaders can engage the majority of youth using the school system as a platform to educate and incorporate youth. This would make use of a system already in place to teach and develop responsible decision making in our youth that they can utilize in electing an appropriate candidate.
Liam glans, social 30-1 period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada by showing that they will do things to benefit youth specifically. Things such as lowing post secondary fees (or helping to pay them), or creating better job opportunities for younger people. Canadian political leaders can also reach out to Canadian youth by advertising in a way that we will see it and be more interested in it. Like on the internet on popular sites, or during popular television program. The main thing would be to make sure that they portray that they are reaching out to us specifically for our personal benefit.
Jessi S. Social 30-1 Period 4
Increasing civic engagement among young people in Canada could be achieved by reaching out to their demographic on a more accessable level. Parties should to make information on their political platforms more readily available to Canada's youth, over the internet and by having a greater presence in Canadian High Schools and Universities. With more information backing them up, young voters would be more confident in their voting decision. By simply making the information easier to access and understand, political parties could encourage young voters to make informed choices.
Sandy D. Social 30-1 Period 4
If Canadian political leaders want to increase civic engagement among the young people in Canada, they should choose to address policies that concern a younger audience. Such policies may include decreasing tuition and textbook costs, or creating more job opportunities. Politicians could also have a significant influence on younger audiences by using social networking sites to reach out to them. For most young individuals, they spend more time on the internet rather than reading the newspaper or watching the news. By campaigning on social networking sites such as twitter or facebook, not only is the individual more likely to be informed about that politicians political party, but it also proves that the politician is specifically trying to reach out to the younger audiences rather than just trying to campaign to adults.
Karissa O. Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement in numerous ways. They can talk about issues and policies which concern the youth and directly influence us. Changes to school budgets, job opportunities for the youth, or tuition cuts are issues that are prevalent to the youth. In order for political leaders to reach to the youth they must also use mass communication and media techniques and capitalize on the growing dependency on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Using these social network websites, they can appeal to wider range of audience (especially the youth) and make the youth aware of the issues. Using other media outlets such as television, texts, and radio can also increase civic engagement among young people as the issues will reach out to a wider audience. By reaching out to a wider audience, the political leaders can talk about issues which directly impact the youth. If the youth are aware of the issues and policies and know that the political leaders can have a direct impact on their lives, they will make an effort to choose the right leader and vote.
Nishita B., Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders may be able to increase civic engagement among young people by first appealing to what we take interests in; this may be issues such as finances to our educational lives or issues that may relate to our daily routine. Such things would be public transport; the cost of transit and or busing as well as driving. They can also attempt to engage us in civic issues by first attempting to reach out to us through social networks. These networks may vary widely upon every teen.
They may be able to appeal to myself and other young teens by raising issues that may affect our lives. By doing so, we may take more interest in the elections and how they can benefit ourselves individually. We would also be more aware of the issues once again if they reach out to the younger generation through networks such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Sirena K Period 3
Political leaders of Canada can increase civic engagement among young Canadians through social networking outlets. They can make their names familiar to the teens at the very least. The leaders can also appeal to the younger generation by supporting and sponsoring youth activities. Volunteering, making special visits to schools, raising fundraisers, and organizing youth activities are just examples of how the leader can reach out to the young people. Most importantly, the politician needs to try and educate the youth on how their decisions can ultimately affect their lives. Most teens are not too aware of the effect on their lives that future bills and laws can cause. In addition, when most kids mature, they mostly direct their attention to the economic and social sector. For example, teenagers lead lives that consist of priorities such as school, work, and dating or hanging out. As their attentions are directed to priorities such as the ones mentioned earlier, they have little time to be involved in politics.
Leo M. in Social 30-1 Period 3
Since the 18-24 age group show a large decline in voter turnout, it is because there aren’t enough immediate political issues that personally impact that group. If politicians target issues that young adults take interest in, then maybe people are more likely to vote on issues that affect them personally. Young voters often deal with issues such as University tuition, transportation, jobs etc. If the politicians target government initiatives towards these issues, people will be more likely to vote. We should also look at the way people are voting. Maybe if the voting process is easily accessible online, it would increase voter turnout. For example, more people are willing to vote for television shows because of its easy access online or by text message. In today's society, everyday activities such as shopping, banking, and investing are all done online. If electronic voting is introduced, it removes the problems experienced by voters who can’t make it to the polling station on Election Day or don’t know about advanced polls, and it becomes a less of a hassle for first-time voters. Through online votes, surveys, and polls, citizens could regularly provide feedback on a variety of government initiatives, both at the municipal level and higher levels of government. With this option, people no longer have to worry about getting there before or after work, finding a place to park, or standing in line – simply log on and vote. When the process is that simple, it’s more likely an apathetic person will take the time to vote.
Sandra L. Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people by reaching out more. They need to be more accessible to this demographic. This could be accomplished by making information more readily available on the party website, or even putting campaign information on social media sites, as the majority of young people use them. The candidates for office could also have a greater presence in high schools and universities. This would further inform people of the choices that they have. If these steps are taken, young people would feel more involved in the election process, and a decrease in voter apathy would likely result.
Connor M. 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement in young people by discussing the issues that are important to us. Political leaders need to address the issues that youth in Canada care about. Many of us are worried about issues that political leaders are unaware of. They need to reach out to us and see where we stand. If political leaders had a more prominent presence in high schools and universities then they would see an increase in the youth vote. It may seem like a waste of time since many of us are not of the age to vote yet, but it truly is not. We will be influenced to vote even before we are of age. Making sure that youth understands the importance of voting and making informed decisions will in turn influence the results of future elections.
I think one of the largest tools that political leaders can use to appeal to young voters is social networking sites. There are many of these sites available for no cost to the general public and are great ways to connect with the younger generations.
As a member of the youth in Canada I find that if a political leader makes the effort to try and connect with me, I will in turn reciprocate that effort by listening to what they have to say. I think that many members of parliament underestimate the influence that the young voters can make. I think that in the case of a federal election it is difficult for the parties to get their message across the country. This means that they try and win specific ridings, and hope that those ridings will allow them to win overall. I think that these people underestimate the use of social networking to appeal to a wide range of voters across the country. With the technology we have today we have the ability to hold online seminars or “webinars”. Voters across the country can tune in and listen to the candidates talk about the things that voters are concerned about. Twitter is another social networking site that would be a great use to political leaders. Individuals can ask questions to the members of parliament and people have an easy way to keep track of their answers. The effects of this type of campaign strategy is evident in Calgary’s most recent municipal election. Naheed Nenshi used social networking to gain the support of many young voters, and more traditional strategies to won the support of the older demographic. This strategy allowed many different types of people to connect with him.
Katie W. Social Studies 30-1 Period 4
There are several ways that Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young adults. One reason that voter apathy is so high at this age group is because of the issues that are regularly debated by the leaders rarely have to do with them. Because politicians might see that younger people have a lower voting record, they may see it as a better use of their time to focus on issues that will apply to voters that are older or of a different age group. Therefore, the political leaders should bring up or create issues that would relate more to a younger person's mindset, or that have some benefit to them. Another way to increase civic engagement is to use different media to give us the information on different issues. The usage of newspaper as a news source for younger people is a lot lower than online sources, and so political leaders could use online media in order to present issues or talk about their ideological viewpoints. Another way to increase civic engagement would be the attempt to educate younger voters about the election and the different viewpoints of the parties. By doing this, a person might be inclined to vote if the issues they are supporting/not supporting are being debated and different parties have taken different stands on them. By being educated about the election, people will care more and actually understand what is happening instead of just ignoring it.
One way to better appeal to younger voters such as ourselves would be to set up ads in places we would actually see them. A good example of this would be online media, which young adults tend to frequently use. By making online advertisement campaigns, the candidate can at least ensure that his name spreads to the voters. Furthermore, social media offers a unique location where people can discuss and debate about different points. This would also be a good place to bring up different issues to see what people think about them. However, the best way to appeal to younger voters would be to create issues that would actually benefit the younger voters. By doing this, a teenager is more inclined to vote because there is actually something in it for them. They might begin to form their own opinions on things and it is in their best self-interest to vote.
Bryan J Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people by using social networks and dealing with issues that directly influence them. Social networks are widely popular and with the use of facebook and twitter, users can easily vote and engage themselves with candidates and supporters. Advertisement on the net would be more successful since most young voters are constantly using their computers. Also by eemphasizing issues that directly influence the younger audience candidates would become more appealing to younger voters. Lowering tuition fees would greatly engage young voters especially those on student loans and part-time jobs.
Beverly C Social 30-1 Period 4
Among the many suggestions for increasing civic engagement among young adults, I believe that only a few would actually get the job done. Using social networking sites like facebook would increase the likelihood that young adults would see debates and information on the parties running. Television is already used thoroughly by the government to increase voting. And as a last suggestion for ways that the government could increase civic engagement from young adults is by offering them pizza. As far as I know, everyone would go and vote if they got a Hot-n-Ready Little Caesar's Pizza. At least i would. It would only add a couple million dollars onto the already large bill of running an election, but you gotta stimulate the economy somehow.
Sawyer K Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada by actually acknowledging our values and concerns. They may achieve this by beginning to address us, through forums or debates targeted towards our demographic – in universities, even high schools, and social media. Introducing policies relevant to us can only increase interest in politics: lowered tuition costs, employment options (or subsidies) or tax cuts or breaks that we may be applicable for. For the next federal election, I would like to see the federal leaders take an interest in appealing to the younger votes and take time to visit, especially here in Calgary. If political candidates can’t bother to meet with voters or supporters, why should we bother giving them our vote? By making themselves more accessible, voter apathy may decrease.
Erin M Social 30-1 Period 4
Initially the most crucial element in invoking the participation of younger demographic in the Canadian elections is a public awareness and acknowledgment towards the importance of voting power and the voice of the citizen. The young people of Canada must first be exposed with clarity to the effects of elections and the consequences it has on their lives. Thus, schooling and education nationwide must implement a segment imbedded within the curriculum in which the principles of voting and thought about the future of students is encouraged and recognized. When the adolescents are throughly exposed to the effects of voting they are then ready to make an intellectual decision (and one that is personally derived).
A second following step in which the government can take to encourage the engagement of younger demographics in Canada is with the employment of an incentive. Incentives may come in the form of simple monetary gains restricted to the model of a scholarship, (rather than a flatout cheque), or for party platforms directing their motives at the younger peoples' issues and for their short-term futures.
John D.
Social 30-1, Period 3
Canadian political leaders could increase civil engagement among young people by discussing topics that relate to us, and increase our knowledge through social networks. During the elections last year in Calgary, Neheed Nenshi was never the odds in favourite to become the new Major of Calgary, however due to his use of social networks like twitter, facebook, and youtube, he was able to gain the attention of the young people, and won with their votes. This shows that young people are generally interested in politics, but just need to be reached in the right ways that get us to listen, as well as be interested in what is being said. I suggest that the use of more social networks that engage our generation, whether through youtube videos or fan pages on facebook, would help to appeal more young people into voting in federal elections. Also by gearing ideas that appeal to students our age, and issues that are important in our lives, civil engagement would increase. Since many high school students in Calgary dislike the use of lanyards in school, if a candidate ever included a ban on lanyards in their campaign, they would receive our attention and most likely become very popular among young people. By relating issues in our lives and giving solutions to them, political leaders would gain large amounts of interest from young people thus producing more young voters who would vote in the next federal election.
Karen L Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people by addressing issues that appeal to young people. Examples of these issues would include university fees, transportation, the environment, health care, and entertainment like the arts. Leaders can address these issues through social networks like facebook, and twitter, and the media. They can post some questions and issues online where people are free to openly debate and voice their opinions. Another way of increasing civic engagement would be bringing more current issues into detail in the school curriculum. Schools can discuss more about the seriousness of global impacts on everyone’s lives. When national and global events are addressed, it can increase awareness and decrease apathy among many people.
Daphne W
Social 30-1 P3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement amoung young people by creating policies that address things that are interesting to us. Things like, university tuition fees, digital rights, etc. Discussing university taxes would be appeal to us because at this age, most of us are concerned with our future and what we would like to do once we're out of high school. We are also saving for our future so discussing taxes would connect us with the politican.
One way to engage us is by using the media to campaign. Most politicians use the television and radio, but they can expand their campaigning methods by using youtube, facebook, twitter, and other social networking sites that teenagers use. The media is a great way to spread a message because the media is arguably one of the best ways to influence people. Neheed Nenshi, our mayor, was able to gain an unimaginable amount of attention by getting the younger population interested.
Adrienne K Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among youth by appealing to their interests and showing political interest in issues such as university tuition, entertainment, etc. which pertain to them. The issues that the current politicians address have little pertinence in the lives of the young voters; the continuation of this trend has resulted in voter apathy. These issues can be discussed in forums that are not limited to just television, newspapers and public campaigns but are extended to social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The success of this approach is clear from the latest Calgary elections when Naheed Nenshi used social networking sites to connect to young voters and as a result, won their votes. Online debates and advertisement campaigns which present different perspectives are bound to be more successful in campaigning for our age group. This is necessary because the young voter turnout is at very low levels and most of the youth ignorant of the elections and political policies of the parties. Another way of spreading political awareness would be to begin education and campaigning in high schools; though many students are not of voting age, they are well aware about their political inclination as they become of voting age. This results in well-informed young voters with fresh ideas for the parties to improve their policies and cater to the needs of the voters.
Hely S. Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people through advertising on the websites that the young people usually go to, such as Facebook and YouTube. They can make videos on the benefit of the civic engagement to encourage people to be active. Comments may also be made by the young people to show their concerns and their suggestions. This not only helps the future of the leader but also makes the leader who listened more reliable than the other leaders. When the leader replies a comment and show that he is willing to consider or do as what the commenter wishes, that person may feel this leader is accountable and start to help this leader by sharing the video to his peers, more young people will know about him and get involved in the civic engagement because of their friends’ involvement. I think this method can be used in the next federal election to the voters in my generation.
Jin, F Social 30-1 period 4
a way for politicians to appeal to young voters could be to promise programs that would appeal an age group between 18 and 25 years old. Such programs could involve fully paid university tuition. Other ways politicians can appeal to youn people could be to use other forms of media to allow young people gain awareness of party plans and the future of the nation. Such medias could be social networking sites, advertising in largely viewed websites.
Varun S period 4
Canadian political leaders can get the youth involved into civic politics in many ways. As Calgary's mayor has proven, social networking was the perfect way for campaigning to the younger generation of today's society. As for the platforms of these parties, reduction of university tuition, taxes of student related items (books, food, etc) and tax breaks for those with starting salaries, may be a way to increase political popularity. Perhaps the best way is face to face contact. The newest generation is the generation that will shape the political bounds of tomorrow's politics, and therefore they need to be greater benefit.
M. Dechant, Social 30-1. Period 4.
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in many ways. They can appeal to the interests and issues among the youth. The majority of the youth are attending or are planinng to attend post-secondary education. Many of these universities have expensive tuition fees and if the political leaders decrease tuition and textbook costs, or create more job oppurtunites for the youth, there would be a great increase in the civic engagement among the oung people in Canada. Politicians could also engage the young people through social media networks. Facebook, youtube, and twitter are three of the most frequently used social networking sites among the young individuals. Many of them do not read newspapers or watch news broadcasts on television, thus isolating them from ongoing political activities. By using social networking sites, not only is the individual more informed about the political party, but it also provides a feeling of engagement of the youth. Another method of engaging young indivuals is by campaining on Television shows that are being watched by a younger audience. There are many TV shows that have a massive audience of young individuals in Canada like "Glee". If the political leaders are able to perform these tasks, there would be a greater increase of civic engagement among young people in Canada.
Thisura A. Social 30-1 Period 4
I believe that in order to increase civic engagement among young people in Canada, the school curriculum must be changed to one that places a greater emphasis on the Canadian political system. The concept of democracy and the importance of voting should be introduced to individuals at an earlier age. This allows for individuals to be informed of the system earlier, thus would allow them to be more politically aware as they age. Party platforms should be easily accessible and easy to understand. Political leaders should also actively inform the youth in various ways such as in-school presentations and social networking sites. To appeal to the youth in the next federal election, political leaders should introduce ideas that affect the age group, and put in a greater effort to appeal to the youth by addressing their values.
Flora L, Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young voters by using social networking websites to post their platforms and ideas. A lot of young Canadians use this mean of communication and politicians would benefit by targeting this area with interactive polls, etc. They could also arrange to have visits to schools and universities to explain to the people their ideas and how it would affect us. This would work similar to how representatives from different universities visit our school to inform us on what programs are being offered. Politicians could appeal to younger voters in the next federal election by focusing more on policies that affect the younger generation, such as tuition fees, etc.
Etienne P. In Social 30-1 period 4
In order to increase civil engagement among young people, Canadian political leaders should make use of the media more, especially the internet(Facebook, twitter).I think one of the reasons why young people don't vote is because it's not "cool" or because their friends don't vote. However, with the media's help to advertise, such as having a celebrity talk about the importance of voting, it would engage more young people to pay attention. This proved to work during the 2008 U.S election where there was so much media coverage, that I knew more about the U.S election than I knew about Canadian affairs. Moreover, to appeal to young people, political leaders need to talk about issues that relate to us directly,or else many would find it a waste of time to vote on issues that don't concern us.
Sophia D. Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian political leaders could increase civil engagement among young people by discussing topics that relate to us and increase our knowledge through social networks. During the election last year in Calgary, Naheed Nenshi was never the odds in favour to become the new mayor but due to his use of social networks like twitter, facebook and youtube, he was able to gain the attention of young people and won with their votes. This shows that young people are generally interested in politics and the country but just need to be reached in the right ways that will allow the young voters to listen and be interested in what is being discussed. I suggest that the use of more social networks will engage our generation and help appeal to more young people into voting in federal elections, whether through videos on youtube or fan pages on facebook. Also since most of us and many other high school students in Calgary, dislike the use of lanyards, if a candidate chose to include in their platform a ban on lanyards in schools, I bet they would receive our attention and most likely become very popular to the young people. Therefore by gearing ideas that appeal to the issues that are important to our lives and using social networks to attract our attention will increase the civil engagement and encourage more voting in the future federal elections.
Karen L. Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada by actually acknowledging our values and concerns. They may achieve this by beginning to addressing us, through forums or debates targeted towards our demographic – in universities, even high schools, and social media. Introducing policies relevant to us can only increase interest in politics: lowered tuition costs, employment options (or subsidies) or tax cuts or breaks that we may be applicable for. For the next federal election, I would like to see the federal leaders take an interest in appealing to the younger votes and take time to visit, especially here in Calgary. If political candidates can’t bother to meet with voters or supporters, why should we bother giving them our vote? By making themselves more accessible, voter apathy may decrease.
Erin M. Social 30-1 Period 4
It seems like a common theme amongst the parties that they will campaign and address the voters who have graduated school and have been working for several years, or the voters who have retired and watch the news on a regular basis. Apparently, these are the only people who vote. The younger people today are ignored because we are generally viewed as an introverted generation who doesn't care. Granted, there are many that would rather drink or spend their money and just write checks to get 'the suits' off their back, but there are also many who want to know if their taxes are going to increase, if their tuition rates are going to skyrocket, and want a say in what our future will hold. I feel that the biggest step the politicians can take in getting more support from the younger people is to address them and acknowledge them instead of writing them all of as non-voters. If those partiers and those check writers know that they can save money or get more benefits so they can party more or go on a trip every once in a while, I feel you'll have an increase in voter turnout because they will have something to gain from voting and giving their input. Many people want to feel involved, and if you get a movement of voting and involvement amongst the young people by stimulating the ones who will listen and influence those who wouldn't normally listen, you will have a new voice that will both speak and listen to the government.
Katelynn H. Social 30-1 Period 4
Canadian Political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada, by influencing us by using social networks like twitter, facebook, my space, and youtube, because we young people spend most of our time out these networks.
How Canadian political leaders can appeal to young voters such as myself in the next federal election, is using the ideas of creating social programs that will help us in our future. For example programs that help with university funds, lower interest rate on students loans, or increase the chances of getting a job when we come out of university. This how i think this can appeal to us.
Nathan K, Social 30-1 PER. 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young people in Canada by using things that appeal to the younger audience. With the use of computers being a staple in the younger generation, political leaders can engage their audience through social networks such as facebook and twitter. Also the use of advertisements on the web would be more successful considering that most of the time people use a computer a day instead of reading the news or watching t.v. news broadcasts. Another way of engaging the younger voters would be to bring up issues that involve them such as the lowering of tuition fees. This would perk their interest since it influences them greater especially those that are using student loans.
Beverly C, Social 30-1 Period 4
If Canadian political leaders wish to increase civic engagement among young people in Canada, the most effective way would be to accesss the social media used by people in the youth demographic (as previously mentioned, facebook, twitter, etc.). Important with this, however, is also making their message more clear and more informative. For example, I have seen political party campaign ads on youtube, but most of the time they are used to bash the opposing political party's ideas (often without any concrete evidence)rather than giving any useful information regarding their own campaign. If political leaders want more civic involvement, perhaps they should focus more on discussing actual issues, rather than just bashing the opposition without using any relevent or specific details.
Kyla W, Social 30-1 Period 3
Canadian Political leaders can increase civic engagement among Canada’s youth by addressing issues which concern the youth such as public transit, tuition cuts and work opportunities. A way for political leaders to effectively reach the youth population is through the social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Political leaders can also get youth engaged by educating students about their platforms through the school system to get their ideas across and letting the youth know what their party can do for them. Also, using mass media such as radio and TV will also assist in getting the message out to youth. The more citizens party leaders reach out to the more the youth will be engaged in political activities.
Chaman mangat, social 30-1, period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic abilities among young Canadians by reaching out to the youth in places where we they spend most of their time, which are social networking websites like facebook, Twitter, and Myspace. This would the most effective way of eaching out to the youth because most people check their social networking websites daily and spend hours on it. This was proven a very effective method of reaching out to the youth by Naheed Nenshi in the lastest Calgary election where he got many votes from the youth by "twittering".
Politicians could appeal to young voters in the next federal election by introducing ideas that would actually effect the youth. For example, subsidizing tuition fees for univerity and also increase funding in the university would greatly appeal to youths because they are in or about to go into university. This would appeal to them the most because the changes made in these areas would effect them directly and provide the most benefit for them.
Jack Rong, Social 30-1, Period 3
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among the young adults in Canada, by presenting the vital information needed to make an informed decision in the next election in more appropriate ways. These methods could include the use of social networking sites, as our generation has been noted as being very internet oriented. It is evident that a majority of Canada's youth have demonstrated voter apathy, as the issues that are being addressed by our political leaders do not directly concern us. Expressing ideas in areas such as making post-secondary education more affordable for those individuals who must pay it themselves would greatly increase young voter turnout in the next federal election.
Laurie Hart, Social 30-1, Period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among the young adults in Canada by decreasing taxes or trying to get our attention through facebook where they could make a facebook page and try to gain support there rather than spending money on advertisements that people usually ignore when they drive by. They could also appeal to us through youtube since most young adults usually end up when they have nothing to do. Also if Canada had a system set up on a facebook event where you could directly vote for your party leaders, then you'll probably be expecting 80% voter turnout or maybe even more. This system not only makes it convenient for Canadian voters, it could also save a lot of time for many people voting.
Ricky Wu period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young voters by focusing on issues that apply to their demographic. This means the issues being dealt with must be relevant for us, in order for us to care. Also, political leaders can take advantage of social networking sites such as facebook and Youtube to get their platforms out to young people. Political leaders could also visit local schools to raise awareness for their campaign among young people. this is similar to universities coming to high schools to let the future students know what they are offering. Similarly, politicians must let the future and present voters know what they are offering.
Berni K. Social 30-1, per 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement among young voters by trying to address issues that appeal to their demographic. Politicians need to get students interested and excited about the issues that surround their country and how they, as leaders, will affect their future. Political leader can't simply rely on the elderly and middle-aged to vote because these groups desire completely different policies than the young. And these young people are the ones who are going to grow up in a country that was developed to suit those who are older. The NDP and Liberals, for example, receive a lot of support from students but do not try to appeal to these students or encourage them to vote. Young people should be exposed to politics in schools at a younger age to encourage their involvement and excitement towards the democratic process. And, of course, as mentioned before, they could make good use of social networking sites, sparking debates and asking questions.
Michelle M. Social 30-1 Per. 4
Many young people vote for Politicians who support and discuss issues that relate to us, and we feel influence us. If Canadian politicians wanted to increase civil engagement among youth, they would do this successfully by discussing topics that appeal and have relevance to us, such as tuition rates, crime, transit costs, and even topics such as alcohol/drug and homosexuality related issues (I am not implying youth are heavily involved with drugs, alcohol or sexuality issues, but these topics have relevance to many teenagers and can escalade interest in politicians if they discuss these controversial topics). Of course, social networking sites are extremely common among young people, so it would be smart to advertise, and post political content on the web.
Emily F. Social 30-1(2) Period 3.
Political Leaders could increase civil engagement among young Canadians by putting more of a focus on issues that concern today's youth such as transit, tuition, and job opportunities for. By addressing issues which young people are passionate about or effect their everyday lives, individuals are more likely to get involved in their government.
Social networking is also a way in which politicians could increase civic involvement. Sites such as facebook, youtube, and twitter are sites which youth are exposed to on a daily basis. Since many youth do not read the newspaper or watch the news they are not up to date with the political activities of their government. By making this information more accessible to today's youth I believe civil engagement would greatly rise in regards to Canadian youth
Wendy O. Social 30-1 Period 3
Political leaders could increase civic engagement among young people by using the internet to spread the words. They can use the websites such as Facebook and YouTube to catch young people’s attention and tell them the importance of voting and being involved in civic activities. This way the political leaders will get to know the young people better and can make better decision, while the young people will feel that the political leader’s actual care about them. This method can be used to appeal to young voters such as myself in the next federal election.
Jin F. Social 30-1 period 4
Canadian political leaders can increase civic engagement and appeal among young people in Canada by implementing two simple measures. Covering issues that are relevant to youth and young adults and using social networking sites to communicate.
Issues that young people can relate to such as university fees and job opportunities will be a better attention grabber than other topics aimed at gathering support among middle aged adults and seniors.
Social networking is one of the biggest means of communication today, you can get a message across to a high volume of people easily. Facebook, youtube, twitter, and other sites are places many individuals visit each day and therefore will be an ideal spot to address issues that are important to young adults. The political leader then knows about issues important to young adults and can address them, the young adult will be more informed and the voter turnout will be much greater.
Sammy P. Social 30-1 per 3
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