Welcome to Lethbridge Public Local #41 Website
It's Time 2VOTE4KIDS!
There are many ways to get involved in a provincial election to help ensure that your voice is heard and that your positions are well represented.
When the election is called, you can make a difference in who forms the next government and makes decisions about education for the next four years. More important, you can help shape the policies that determine the teaching and learning conditions in schools. But you need to take action! Determining the right mix of activity will depend on the time and resources you have available as well as the skills that you have to offer.
Here are 10 ways to get involved:
- Contribute money to a candidate. From renting office space to paying for computer equipment or purchasing lawn signs, campaigns cost money. Your financial support is important and appreciated, and you will receive a tax credit for up to 75 per cent of it. In most cases, donations can be directed to a specific candidate or to the party at large.
- Volunteer your time to a political candidate. Candidates need many volunteers to run successful election campaigns. A wide range of high-profile or anonymous jobs are available. Volunteering to put up signs, deliver flyers or make phone calls makes a difference and helps to build relationships with candidates.
- Become informed about education issues, and advise candidates and parties of your views on issues. Check the websites of candidates and parties to determine their stands on these issues, and contact them online or by phone to give your views and raise questions about their stands.
- Join the political party that is closest to your views. A small percentage of Albertans join a political party. Your voice is taken more seriously as a party member, especially when you volunteer and/or contribute financially to a party's candidate.
- Develop a relationship with your MLA or favourite political party candidate. Politics is about relationships. An election is the best time to meet with those who can help resolve education issues. MLAs pay special attention to the people who helped them get into office.
- Become a member of a political party's constituency board. Enjoy the full stop opportunities of political engagement, and make your voice matter by staying involved after the election.
- Assist a candidate with social media messaging. Make your voice heard through social media. This is an opportunity to serve a candidate and advance your ideas. You don't have to be an official spokesperson to relay their messages using your own social accounts.
- Attend political forums in your constituency. Forums are often not well attended; your presence can make a difference. It's an excellent opportunity to raise education issues and to ensure that they are addressed and seen as important.
- Write letters to the editor, or make online comments on news stories or blogs. Many people read newspapers and online forums to decide how to vote. This is your opportunity to make your voice part of the discussion and encourage change on educational issues.
- Influence colleagues, friends, family and neighbours. Talk about education and community issues with others. Share your voice for change and have others help you make education issues important in this election.
To find out more about the parties or how you can be of assistance, visit their websites:
Alberta Liberal Party:www.albertaliberal.com
Alberta Party:www.albertaparty.ca
New Democratic Party:www.albertandp.ca
Progressive Conservative Party:www.albertapc.ab.ca
Wildrose Party:www.wildrose.ca
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ATA office hours for 2011-2012 are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am – 2: 00 pm
Closed Wednesdays, Fridays and school holidays.
