Summary by: Laurie Geschke
National President
REAL Women of Canada B.C.
A Talk by Heather Stilwell
Trustee Surrey School Board
Heather Stilwell spoke about becoming actively involved in the political process at the local level, either as an elected representative or in assisting the election of a candidate of choice. She encouraged this, by stating, it is easy if you start when your children are small by being involved in the school’s PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) and the DPAC (District Parent Advisory Committee).
Our involvement on Parent Advisory Committees at our children's school is critical for the health of public education and society at large. Elected school trustees and boards can and do offer parents real opportunities for meaningful input. Too often, however, parents don't see their involvement as necessary when it conflicts with scarce family time or other activities. Don't be mistaken: getting involved this September in your child's or children's PAC could be one of the most important things you ever do! You'll never become aware of the opportunities to make a difference if you are not on the PAC first and attending their monthly meetings.
Local politics (City Councils and School boards) are the next easy step. They are also very important as they hire and set policy. Heather did caution however, that politics is a family affair and that a spouse must be supportive of any such efforts.
While it does take some money to run for public office, the candidate should not have to depend on it coming from hisher own pocket. Networks are critical. Other people who are not willing to run can donate toward the costs of a like-minded candidate. If the candidate is not able to raise campaign funds before the election, then it may be best to expand personal networks and wait until the next election to run. Candidates must understand their own strengths and weaknesses. For example does the candidate like big crowds? Or prefer small groups? Does the candidate have the funds to take potential supporters out for coffee to a restaurant? Does the candidate need supporters to host in-home coffee klatches where heshe can be given an opportunity to speak? Before the election is called, a professional photograph should be taken for signs, brochures, website, and any media requests. Make sure that the signs are always at eye level to the passing traffic, as signs are critical. If a candidate doesn’t have signs how will people know that heshe is running?
The candidate should pick concerns for his platform that the public shares, and shouldn’t be afraid to express his genuine concerns. Politics is not for others: it is for us!
Candidates can be helped in the election in many ways, such as writing a letter to the Editor on an issue that the candidate is concerned about, or paying for a professional photograph for the candidate for his or her brochures/campaign signs. Paying for all or part of the literature printing costs or postage expenses is quite a help, as well as volunteering to hand deliver literature house by house on behalf of the candidate. Another help for the candidate is to participate on a telephone committee to identify the vote and, on election day, to transport the candidate’s supporters to the polling stations. Assistance can also be given by expanding the candidate’s personal networks (to meet voters) by hosting small groups of your friends and associates in your home. Volunteering to be on a sign crew is also entirely helpful.
Individuals and/or small groups of two or three can make a huge difference, if they are willing to work long and hard. In this regard, Heather personally acknowledged two local women, Hilda Krieg and Deanna Fernandes, whose individual efforts to elect pro-life candidates have become legendary in B.C.
We end up with the government we deserve! Have you ever said "somebody should do this"? Well, Heather said, You are that somebody! "You can make a politician out of a pro-lifer much easier than you turn a politician into a pro-lifer!"
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