Don’t just observe democracy, shape it! Get involved in your local community today.
Get Involved
Shaping democracy isn’t about imposing one’s views on others. It’s about understanding the issues, recognizing the importance of your voice, and taking action to bring about positive change in your local community.
You can help ensure everyone’s needs and opinions are considered, and democratic decisions serve the best interests of the community as a whole. Here are ways you can get involved.
Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy.
Journalists shine a light on the issues that matter to you. They keep you informed with news that is accurate, fair and impartial — reporting you can trust. But not all media and news reports are created equal. Trusted local media adheres to strict standards to deliver responsible and ethical journalism. Their efforts guard against the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. These markers will help you identify honest reporting and quality journalism.- Does the media organization follow a set of journalism best practices focused on reporting the truth, accurately, fairly and independent of outside influences?
- Is the content labelled appropriately? Is it news, an opinion, an analysis? You should know.
- Who wrote the story? Is there a byline?
- Is the information contained in the story attributed to a source, a document, a previously published report?
- What sources are used in the reporting?
- Whose voices are included in the news? Are they representative of the community?
- Are the perspectives on an issue diverse?
- Does the media organization solicit reader feedback?
- Are errors in reporting corrected swiftly and transparently?
Sadly, less than half the world lives in a democracy. In many countries, citizens can’t even cast a ballot to decide on their nation’s leadership. And yet too many who live in liberal democracies — whose votes actually count — do not take advantage of this basic right.
Locally, regionally, provincially and nationally, voter turnout numbers are alarming, engagement rates are disturbingly low, and the right to have your say is taken for granted. Whether you like where you live and are happy with your community’s progress, or whether you’re itching for change, informed voting is the best way to make your voice heard. When we don’t exercise these rights, history shows we tend to lose them.
Helpful Links
Federal politics — https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
Register to vote: https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=reg&document=index&lang=e
Provincial politics — https://www.elections.on.ca
Register to vote: https://eregistration.elections.on.ca/en/home
Municipal politics — visit your municipality’s website
Change your electoral information: https://voterlookup.ca
Giving back in your own community is one of the best ways to contribute to a strong democracy. Volunteering for a non-profit organization is a great way to meet your neighbours, learn more about your community and make a difference. You could sit on board of directors for a non-profit, volunteer your time at the local food bank or donate clothing to those in need. Talk to your family, friends and neighbours for action ideas that match your interests and scan your local community newspaper for inspiration.
Helpful Links Volunteer Success https://volunteersuccess.com/ |  |
Giving back in your own community is one of the best ways to contribute to a strong democracy. Volunteering for a non-profit organization is a great way to meet your neighbours, learn more about your community and make a difference. You could sit on board of directors for a non-profit, volunteer your time at the local food bank or donate clothing to those in need. Talk to your family, friends and neighbours for action ideas that match your interests and scan your local community newspaper for inspiration.
Helpful Links
Volunteer Success https://volunteersuccess.com/
| Gather as much information as you can from credible media sources and civic institutions on what is happening in your community and the world around you. If you can’t find the information you need, reach out to staff with the city/province/federal government or your local politicians at any level of government. If you’ve got an opinion on a way to improve your community or have experienced something that’s unjust, speak up! Reach out to politicians or write a letter to the editor to share your views. |
https://spotfakenews.ca/ |
Gather as much information as you can from credible media sources and civic institutions on what is happening in your community and the world around you. If you can’t find the information you need, reach out to staff with the city/province/federal government or your local politicians at any level of government. If you’ve got an opinion on a way to improve your community or have experienced something that’s unjust, speak up! Reach out to politicians or write a letter to the editor to share your views.
Helpful Links
https://spotfakenews.ca/
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/spotfakenews/
https://www.thecanadianpress.com/
Sharing your opinion in a letter to the editor is one of the best ways to encourage people to think differently or to look at a topic from a fresh perspective. Not everyone who sees your letter is going to agree with you and they will also have a chance to explain why. Unlike the mic drops common on social media platforms, letters offer context, opinions and fact-based ideas that change minds. Please consider sharing your thoughts on what’s happening in your community in a letter to the editor. Email us at letterstotheeditor@metroland.com. | Helpful Links Here are some links for other government information: www.canada.ca |
Sharing your opinion in a letter to the editor is one of the best ways to encourage people to think differently or to look at a topic from
a fresh perspective. Not everyone who sees your letter is going to agree with you and they will also have a chance to explain why. Unlike the mic drops common on social media platforms, letters offer context, opinions and fact-based ideas that change minds. Please consider sharing your thoughts on what’s happening in your community in a letter to the editor.
Email us at letterstotheeditor@metroland.com.
Helpful Links
Here are some links for other government information:
www.canada.ca
www.ontario.ca
www.ourcommons.ca
http://senate-gro.ca
www.gg.ca
https://electionsanddemocracy.ca
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Help create an ecosystem that empowers your community to stay informed about the issues that matter most to them. Together, we can build a better future for our democracy. Learn More |
Help create an ecosystem that empowers your community to stay informed about the issues that matter most to them. Together, we can build a better future for our democracy.
Learn More
Learn How You Can Support As A Business
Help create an ecosystem that empowers your community to stay informed about the issues that matter most to them. Together, we can build a better future for our democracy.