Life Outside the Classroom: U of T Greens
September 14th, 2011 by Leah Henrickson | Co-EditorPost written by Kara Naklicki.
U of T Greens is a political advocacy club on campus that is affiliated with the Green Party of Canada and of Ontario. However, our primary concern is not converting every U of T student to ‘Green’, but doing our best to encourage every student to become more politically aware and especially to vote.
When meetings happen, they are usually e-meetings focused around either planning for specific events or discussion in response to political factors (ex. the dropping of the writ in the federal election, election day, etc.). Items of discussion include planning different events and approaches to canvassing in order to get students more politically engaged, aware of the Green Party, and excited to vote in upcoming elections. We frame political issues through a ‘Green’ perspective, where priorities include, but are not limited to: sustainable energy; representation of women and other minorities in politics; accessible education and healthcare; public transit; and a economy focused on efficiency and innovation.
This year, U of T Greens organized events that included a documentary night screening environmental/social justice piece Wasteland, as well as a meet-the-candidate pub night. Members of the Greens also participated in U of T’s Vote Mob (video).
U of T Greens is currently working with the Green Party of Ontario to prepare for the upcoming provincial election. Some events on the horizon include an informal pub-style political forum where students of all political leanings can meet and debate local Green candidates (late September), as well as a VIP fundraiser reception and dinner with Elizabeth May (early September) for which we are hoping to have student-priced tickets available.
For more information, please visit our website. If you have any further questions or would like to get involved, feel free to email the group or contact me directly.
