As the winds of political change sweep through Alberta, Canada, with the provincial legislative elections set for May 29th, 2023, a new wave of enthusiasm is emerging among the youth, especially within the Chinese community in Calgary.
In the heart of these elections, the incumbent Conservative Party MLA and Minister of Multiculturalism, Mr. Luan Jinsheng, representing the Calgary-Foothills district, is gearing up for the campaign. Parallel to these developments, the iCare uCare Association (ICUC) is actively engaging the youth in this democratic process, fostering their political awareness and participation.
ICUC's president, Nian Nian, along with the Youth Community Engagement management team, has collaborated with Mr. Luan's campaign to integrate young volunteers into the electoral mechanism. This initiative involves participating in telephone surveys, community outreach, and canvassing, offering a first-hand experience of the Canadian democratic process.
On March 11th, a significant step was taken as ICUC leaders, including Nian Nian, Doris, project leaders Li Momo, Tina, and 22 young volunteers, converged at Mr. Luan's office. Their mission: to conduct telephone surveys and gather public opinions. Minister Luan himself extended a warm welcome, highlighting the significance of youth involvement. The session included comprehensive training on conducting phone surveys, with Nian Nian taking a keen interest in the volunteers' academic aspirations, and Doris coaching them on effective communication strategies.
The youth volunteers' dedication shone through as they embarked on over 100 door-to-door visits and devoted nearly 30 hours each to phone surveys and opinion gathering. Their initial apprehension about approaching strangers quickly turned into enthusiasm, finding joy in connecting with residents on various aspects of community life.
Lynn, the campaign office manager, lauded the young volunteers for their exceptional adaptability and learning aptitude. An evening door-knocking session led by an energetic youth volunteer team was particularly praised for their exemplary work.
With the election day drawing closer, ICUC's Youth Community Engagement team continues to invite young individuals to participate in these activities. It's a reminder that voting rights are a vital aspect of Canadian citizenship, and government representatives play a crucial role in echoing the community's voice.
ICUC appreciates the cooperation and support of Mr. Luan's campaign team. There's been a concerted effort to ensure the volunteer activities remain non-partisan, providing the youth with an unbiased insight into the Canadian political landscape.
ICUC's youth volunteers are not just participating; they are leading the charge in understanding and engaging with political processes. As they contribute to the public welfare, they embody ICUC's mission of collective effort for the greater good. Minister Luan has expressed great appreciation for the youth volunteers, evident from his heartfelt speech at the first mobilization meeting on March 11th. The event saw a diverse group of participants, from a focused young woman to a mother-daughter duo, all united in their effort to make a difference. Through this initiative, ICUC is not only nurturing future leaders but also strengthening the foundation of community engagement and political understanding among the youth.
ICUC's youth volunteers are in action!
"Every individual contributes, collectively creating public welfare, and the sunshine of public welfare shines upon everyone." This encapsulates the mission and spirit of ICUC.
Minister Luan places great importance on the youth volunteers. The image depicts the first mobilization meeting on March 11th, where Minister Luan Jinsheng delivered an enthusiastic welcoming speech:
Serious and composed young lady
Working diligently
From left to right: Lynn, Nian Nian, Li Momo
Doris providing training guidance
Handsome Korean young man
Honest Indian young man
Mother and daughter joining forces