We're challenging students
to think about politics.
Too often we are left outside looking in. Our disengagement is not apathy, but an inability to engage in institutional and electoral politics. Trent Votes challenges communities in Peterborough to engage, discuss, and participate together and acknowledge the value and diversity of students' political voices.
Engage.
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Discuss. |
Have you ever been told: "You can't complain if you don't vote" ?
Politics extends far beyond the ballot box, and yet the vocal minority of Canadians will tell you that youth are selfish, apathetic, and have no right to be complaining about the inequalities, barriers, and political challenges they are facing. We don't want to shame anyone into voting. Instead, we believe in creating a dialogue to understand why some people do vote, why some people choose not do, and why engagement has to expand beyond electoral politics. |
Participate.
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Participation in politics requires rethinking politics.
We acknowledge the value of participating in elections and the political debates of election issues. We will not tell you who to vote for, but we will provide the opportunity for you to participate in local elections. As citizens all students and youth across Canada have a right to participate and engage in institutional politics. For this participation to occur, we have to acknowledge the barriers of language, experience, and education that exists in our society. We believe that for politics to engage the bright young minds in Canada, our conversation has to move beyond electoral reform and towards a transformation of politics. Building more participatory dialogues between citizens, communities, and demographics empowers youth to engage in politics. |