Calling on Change:
Taking political advocacy to the next level in Canada

17 October, 2009 @ 16:34

EWB’s overseas work is critical, but there is no question that when it comes to creating widespread change in Africa, home is as good a place as any to start. Recognizing this, EWB is working harder than ever to hold Canada’s political leaders accountable for their approach to international development.

Leading this exciting process is James Haga, a long-time EWBer and our new Director of Political Advocacy. James is a passionate force, driving EWB’s advocacy work to influence more inspired and effective international aid policies in Canada.

“Beyond direct public service, political advocacy is the purest form of influence that I can have as a Canadian citizen.” According to James, “There are many things that I feel are inadequate about Canada’s contribution to ending poverty, and EWB has a massive opportunity to realize broad spectrum changes.”

In a cluttered landscape of development organizations, EWB has earned a reputation among many Canadian political elite as knowledgeable and committed change-makers. With this in mind, James is seeking to further the network of Canadian politicians that support EWB. Cultivating longer term non-partisan political relationships will allow EWB to more effectively promote forward thinking aid policies in Canada.

Buzzing with ideas, James and EWB members alike have been hard at work. In recent weeks our members have held over 10 meetings with key Members of Parliament to broaden EWB’s network and move critical issues forward.

“In the past, we haven’t really nurtured the network of politicians supporting EWB,” James says, “We are now building relationships as part as a larger strategy, approaching with Members of Parliament with insights, and showing our credibility as an organization.”

Political change takes time – and every meeting and every conversation counts.

Daniel Eden and Sammy Lyster from the McGill EWB chapter know this better than anyone. On a Thursday afternoon they were presented with the opportunity to speak with their MP, Liberal Justin Trudeau in Ottawa – and by Friday morning they were in Mr. Trudeau’s office. This meeting gave Daniel and Sammy the chance to bring EWB’s work to the forefront. Because of this they were able to highlight important ways Mr. Trudeau can get further involved to enhance Canada’s contributions to international development.

“I was amazed by Daniel and Sammy,” says James. “On a moment’s notice they road tripped to Ottawa, held a positive conversation with Mr. Trudeau, and laid the foundation for an important political relationship for EWB.”

Like Daniel and Sammy, we can all expand EWB’s ability to create change through political advocacy.

EWB has recently launched Calling on Change, a ‘how-to’ site for political advocacy in Canada. At Calling on Change you can get a better understanding of EWB’s advocacy work, while accessing the resources and tools to help you create change in Canada’s international aid policies. Two great ways to get started include: Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about the importance of effective international aid Join a campaign to end poverty, like Make Poverty History Sign a petition to your Member of Parliament

Now more than ever, Canada must become an informed and innovative vehicle for development work in Africa. By expanding our political advocacy work, this is exactly what EWB aims to do.

To take action or find out more about EWB’s political advocacy work, visit us online at Calling on Change.