what we're all about
“The young reject the political status quo, as they should, but they
are too lazy to do anything about it. Most of the under-25s don’t even
bother to vote. Instead of fighting for change, they wallow in their
vanities and entitlements. Not much turns them on except the Idol
shows, movies with smut humour and the latest hand-held instruments.
Their disillusionment with the political class is understood. Their
complacency isn’t. It will soon be their country. You’d think they’d
want to take the reins.” -- Lawrence Martin, Globe and Mail, August 10, 2009
Everyone talks about how youth aren’t engaged in politics and how we
are a bunch of selfish kids who don’t care. We know they’re dead wrong.
You might not be on the front lines, but maybe you try to buy organic,
or volunteer at a homeless shelter or ride your bike to school or a
thousand other things. All of these are political acts, even if you
don’t know it. And we know a lot of young people like you who care
about the future of Canada and our world.
We are part of a global Green political movement and have a
comprehensive policy agenda built on its shared values: ecological
wisdom, social justice, participatory democracy, non-violence,
sustainability, and respect for diversity. The Green movement is
committed to living within our means and giving thought to the future
of our world. As Greens, we recognize the interconnectedness of
ecological and social issues and are especially calling for the
inclusion of those who are excluded by the old politics: aboriginal
peoples, women, and the poor.
We’re not going to lie: we want you to vote Green and become a
politically active citizen with Young Greens like us. We are people who
share your values, whether you’re protesting or gardening or
volunteering or living conscientiously. We believe in positive
political change and want to see Green values put into practice by our
government. We need an organized voice in Federal politics where
important laws are being made that will shape the future of Canada and
the survival of our planet.
You might say “You're crazy! There are forces to big to fight and
you'll never see a party or a Prime Minister campaign and win based on
these values.” We disagree. We know the values of hope and peace can
win, but it's a huge job – let’s begin.
So who are we really? We are the youth wing of the Green Party of
Canada and are comprised of all Green Party members under the age of
30. The Young Greens promote the core principles of green politics,
help young Canadians become more active and effective within the Green
Party of Canada and network Green campus and city-wide clubs.
Campus Club
Joining or starting a Green campus club is a great way to try your hand
at political organizing and campaigning while meeting cool, like-minded
people. What your campus club does is limited only by your wild and
untamed political imagination. Get up to no good!
Are you interested in joining your local campus club?
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Durham College
Trent University (Oshawa Campus)
