LOCAL GOVERNMENT WEEK October 16-22, 2011

What It Is Local Government Week is a one-week, school focussed campaign intended to celebrate the key role that Ontario municipal governments play in helping to define the character, priorities, amenities and physical make-up of Ontario’s diverse communities.

Local governments are the closest level of government to our communities The Municipal order of government performs functions that are of immediate concern to citizens, including: –community and social services –parks and recreation –water, sewer, and waste management –essential services such as police and fire protection –road maintenance and traffic management –land use planning and environmental protection

Who A partnership of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks & Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH) Supported by Ontario Teachers’ Federation –Local Government Week concept and the content of new Teacher Guides have been reviewed and supported by classroom teachers at both elementary & secondary levels

Objectives To help students and other citizens gain an understanding of the municipal order of government and its impact on their everyday lives To foster in children and youth, responsible citizenship and stewardship of their local communities To provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the democratic process To provide educators and municipal representatives with resources, information and activities on local government in Ontario to compliment Grade 5 Social Studies and History, and Grade 10 Civics courses, as well as cross- curricular resources for other grade and subject areas

The Need Educating young people for responsible citizenship is critical to ensuring the continued vitality and growth of our local communities. Through participation in Local Government Week, students will: – learn about local government in a dynamic, experiential environment –gain an understanding of the municipal order of government and its impact on their communities –learn about the diversity of careers in local government

Free Resources* Teacher Guides on local government for both elementary and secondary schools: –focussed on Grade 5 social studies, history (elementary level) and civics (Secondary level); also includes cross curriculum content & activities for all subjects & grades –available in both English and French –approximately 100 pages of information, activities, and ideas related to local government –teaching notes, additional resources and a glossary of terms –a resource municipal professionals can also use with schools Posters Dedicated Web Pages with resources, presentations, activity ideas for Local Government Week and on local government

Group Activity Ideas Students can participate in grade specific or school-wide coordinated activities aimed at increasing their understanding of local government administration, structure, and decision making processes Teacher Guides have school-wide or classroom suggested activities Get ideas and information from AMCTO.com

Activity Ideas: School-wide Mock Elections Students run as candidates, debate local issues and ideas, and elect candidates to a “Council” Each “Council” to be elected by a democratic process mirroring a municipal election

Activity Ideas Continued: Classroom Mock Elections –Students interested in being elected give a 2 minute speech campaigning for office –Each class nominates 7 classmates for “Council” –Each class votes on 2 of the nominees to elect as Mayor/Deputy Mayor (top vote is Mayor); remaining 5 nominees are Councillors –Local municipal staff can be invited to participate

Sample Ballot Note: Highest number of votes becomes mayor and second highest number of votes becomes deputy mayor, with remaining candidates to be councillors

Ballot Box Sign Time

Activity Ideas Continued: Mock Council Meeting Following the Mock Elections… The new “Council” participates in a Mock Council Meeting To encourage participation by entire class, divide class in ½ and have them prepare 2, 5 minute presentations to the Mock Council, requesting a decision of Council –include specific request, supporting reasons, costs, pros, cons etc. “Council” votes

Severn Township Student Mayor Program Mayor Sled and Councillor McDougall with the Marchmont School “Council” Mayor Sled and Student Mayor Emily

Activity Ideas Continued: Issue Referendum Students debate on the issue of building a major project (i.e. a local Arena or a school playground, etc.) and discuss the consequences from a number of angles (financial and budget impacts, environmental & safety concerns, compromise to other services/facilities, etc.) Students then have a class, or school wide, vote on the referendum issue

Recognition Participating schools & municipalities can have their names listed on the Local Government Week web pages, along with photos highlighting their schools activities (to be posted on AMCTO.com) Participating schools/students can receive certificates recognizing their involvement (available from the Local Government Week web pages at AMCTO.com)

Municipal Engagement Through the partnership of AMCTO, AMO & MMAH, and association member outreach, municipalities have been informed and will be encouraged to provide the following opportunities, as well as other acitvities, for their local schools: Tours of the Municipal Offices Co-op and volunteer opportunities for high school students (to help fulfill mandatory community service hours) and provide them with the opportunity to learn first-hand about working in a municipality Official proclamations recognizing Local Government Week Media templates for municipalities (or schools) to relay their activities to local papers (also available from AMCTO.com wep pages)

How to Register All elementary, intermediate and secondary school teachers and/or principals, as well as municipalities, are invited to log-in the activities they are planning by visiting the AMCTO website and completing an on-line registration form Visit AMCTO.COM

We encourage your support of and endorsement of Local Government Week activities in your community. Thank You!