Several of my friends (I speak here particularly of those commonly known as the" activists ") have surfed, in recent years, a wave inabituellement rich social and political campaigns. Whether the student movement (historic campaign against cuts of 103 million dollars in the system of student financial aid), labor (campaigns fusion accreditations in the field of health or result in redistribution Municipalities Quebec raid on institutional construction), the Quebec government (general elections in 2007 and 2008, plus a few partial), the Canadian government (general elections in 2004, 2006 and 2008, plus some partial at this level too), our recently respective hamlets or any cause more global joining our particular generation of global citizens (Summit of the Americas, the war in Iraq, FTAA, election of Barack Obama for President of the United States to fight climate change, etc..), it's something to be breathless!
The roll now seems to calm down, at least in Quebec, game cards and Quebec City have been distributed to at least a few years and the momentum of protest first term of Jean Charest had waned in most social movements. Spectrum remains the Canadian elections, but nothing seems to indicate that Quebec has made major changes to its representation in the House of Commons and, for some, trading in the public sector, which is not what it was in the 1970s, is the least we can say.
In light of this reality, I see three categories of politically active young people (to end of categorization, I push a little further my "surfin '" metaphor): Sunday surfers, snowboarders and real perfectionists Brice De Nice (character played by Jean Dujardin in the movie of the same name. Let me explain.
The surfers Sunday OR followers of the time commitment
These young people do not intend to enter a political career, do not want to do different causes that they share their existential mantra and does not depend on contracts for rural living. Their fields of study and work are varied and their usual life context is a messy apartment where academic work is done day and night in the small suburban house where some already are raising a small family. They want to do their part when the public debate the challenges because solidarity is central to any discussion and hope the cat among the pigeons will make a difference ... while not closing the door to increased activity. The riders
perfectionists OR political agents of tomorrow and those who wish they all costs
For this category of the emerging generation, everything is positioning, learning and maximum delivery of the goods. No matter whether to juggle with both studies, work, some implications and personal development, that's life! Each political experience is an opportunity to gain a new experience (for the future ... yours!), Each meeting a time to judge his interpersonal skills and argumentative exchange each exercise discipline very seriously. Already anointed with the nickname of "politician" by their peers, members of this group trying to maximize their time and participate in discussion forums being offered them, while thinking about the future and the intricacies of their personal life do not forget. The
Brice Nice OR warriors forever looking for a fight
Some young, very active, had the bite of militancy during their first involvement and constantly trying to regain the sensation in this time. Regardless of the context in which they first fought, or the cause for which they were first thrown into the water is now bubbling with activity that stimulates them. Always ready for the challenge (and not necessarily a new ...), no matter what they bring, always in search of a political confrontation, regardless the consequences for their health, their relationships, their portfolio, these apostles of the movement thrive on adrenaline and that is what they are looking first in a campaign. The curtain has not yet fallen over a period of intense activity that brought them victory or defeat they are already hunting for the next political stage where they occur, without even taking a break. As Brice de Nice, they get up every morning hoping THE wave.
is following the finding husked above, which I got talking with a friend-es in recent weeks, I decided to suggest, humbly, some solutions to people involved that I would strongly encourage.
Firstly, it seems important to realize what kind of politically active citizen you are and what kind of activism you will go.
If you find yourself in the description mid-crazy, half-realistic that I developed earlier on Brice de Nice, STOP EVERYTHING. You'll burn yourself, both physically and politically!
Once upon reflection (and a vital stop made by Brice de Nice), I invite you to awareness, more human this time. In a
First, make an inventory of your last years marked by political and social activity. You have made your implications? What have you learned? With whom did you forged lasting relationships? What new passions explored avenues that you have brought forth in you? The purpose of this review (which must be drawn up in the most honest possible) is to separate the sense of accomplishment brought by the political activity of the baggage you've accumulated concrete. Your experiences have they allowed to grow, to strengthen you as a person, and how? These questions will give you perhaps the desire to continue, or take a pause to reflect on your objectives at the beginning of your involvement and those that you want to fix now.
Then assess what you have NOT done during your years of activism. It is indeed very important to calculate the opportunity cost and opportunity cost of your 'work' policy so as not accounting, but rather to question or reaffirm your choice. Does the experience was an accelerated transition towards your goals? Did you miss good opportunities because you had the feeling of not being able to "let go" campaign? When you go through a period of calm on the political (like the one we currently live), what are your priorities, hobbies that you return? Balance is essential, especially in the life of someone who practices a trade policy that involved periodically or for a cause, since the addition of the political upsets necessarily "normal life". Beyond the simple question pragmatic step that may allow you to put into perspective some steps you may want to complete before continuing militant tumultuous experience.
Finally, you should obtain a plan for the coming years. This year, I repeat, is facilitated by the relative calm (although everything can change without warning ...) the next few years ahead. What your plan look at you, but I can insist on some basic aspects of the journey of a young leader of Quebec society of the future: academic education, the importance of developing relationships based on common interests but also on the loyalty and friendship, establishing a financial base independent work experience related to your involvement and varied but, if you feel like it, developing a life of couple or family. Whether solidify your argument by comparing it with the masters "call", to take the next step of your commitment and your life being surrounded by people you trust, you can make choices (or employment campaign) not on the payroll for your interest but, to be multipurpose when you face a new situation or have loved ones who live with the joys and pains of commitment, these elements constitute solid foundation on which to build your future.
You'll understand that my article today is particularly aimed at those and among those who had already germinated the seed of activism or political work. Because I have the opportunity to cross several with great pleasure recently. However, as I mentioned before, these proposals are only a few avenues for borrowing. They can be enhanced, modified depending on your age, your service and your future projects. I do not hide it, I also hope that this discussion will have some persuasive effect in people who are still reluctant to get active!
Whatever your level of belief and activity, you will win always know where you come from, to clarify where you go and choose what role you want (and think you can) play in the Quebec of tomorrow!
As I am not a guru and stated goal of this blog is to discuss in order to enrich us collectively, I look forward to your comments ...
