1. How can citizens affect change? >>>> >

2. You & The Government The democratic process is dynamic and changing. The democratic process is dynamic and changing. There are many ways to help your voice be heard. There are many ways to help your voice be heard. Governments at all levels are responsible to their constituents. Governments at all levels are responsible to their constituents. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

3. Individual Contact Methods Contact your city council, MLA or MP. Contact your city council, MLA or MP. All government representatives have offices in your neighbourhood. Most with walk in policies. All government representatives have offices in your neighbourhood. Most with walk in policies. You can communicate with public servants who carry out the day to day business of the government. You can communicate with public servants who carry out the day to day business of the government. You can send letters to editors, call in to radio shows or sometimes even get on public TV. You can send letters to editors, call in to radio shows or sometimes even get on public TV.

4. Affecting Large Scale Political Change Three ways: Three ways: 1. Pressure Groups & Lobbyists 2. Utilizing Mass Media 3. Civil Disobedience

5. Pressure Groups & Lobbyists Definition: Groups who seek to influence government policies and decisions. Definition: Groups who seek to influence government policies and decisions. Two Types: Two Types: Institutionalized – Well established formal organizations which are always around. Institutionalized – Well established formal organizations which are always around. Greenpeace Greenpeace Red Cross Red Cross Canadian Cancer Society Canadian Cancer Society - What else? Issue-Oriented – Less permanent groups looking to accomplish smaller aims and then disappear. Issue-Oriented – Less permanent groups looking to accomplish smaller aims and then disappear.

6. Some Major Institutionalized Groups GreenpeaceCanadian Cancer SocietyFree the Children

7. Pressure Groups Continued How do pressure groups work? How do pressure groups work? Provide research and advice to government ministries. Provide research and advice to government ministries. Take issues to court, e.g. Abortion. Take issues to court, e.g. Abortion. Hire lobbyists (former senior officials) to utilize their connections when meeting with important politicians. Hire lobbyists (former senior officials) to utilize their connections when meeting with important politicians.

9. Utilizing The Mass Media The Mass Media dictates most of the information we see. The Mass Media dictates most of the information we see. Issues that get a lot of media coverage get more attention from government. Issues that get a lot of media coverage get more attention from government. Some groups pull publicity stunts to draw more attention to their issue. Some groups pull publicity stunts to draw more attention to their issue.

11. Civil Disobedience Definition: The act of intentionally breaking a law which is deemed unjust. Definition: The act of intentionally breaking a law which is deemed unjust. Civil disobedience is about taking responsibility for your actions. Civil disobedience is about taking responsibility for your actions. Willingness to face punishment. Willingness to face punishment.

12. Effecting Political Change Assignment First: Choose an issue below. 1. Should citizens have more direct input into government? 2. Should Canada pressure developing countries to stop child labour? 3. Should marijuana be legalized? 4. Should the Graduating License Program be changed? 5. Should the legal drinking age be lowered? 6. Other. Must be approved by teacher Second: Make a one page report, which: 1. Lays out the arguments for both sides of the issue. - Your group needs to be balanced in its approach. - Knowing both sides help to defend your position. 2. Decides what method(s) you will use to draw attention to your issue. - If you are using Mass Media what will you do to get attention? - If you are going to protest, where would be the best place? 3. Decides what level(s) of government you will need to direct attention to. 4. Arrange a 2 minute outline of your report to start class discussion. - Each person will need to present