Other Ways to Contribute
Offering to stand for municipal election is certainly a noble and selfless contribution to the betterment of your community but it is certainly not the only way in which those who are so inclined can do so. Indeed there are many ways to make a contribution many of which require much less time and are not so much in the spot light.
Offering to stand for municipal election is certainly a noble and selfless contribution to the betterment of your community but it is certainly not the only way in which those who are so inclined can do so. Indeed there are many ways to make a contribution many of which require much less time and are not so much in the spot light. Below are some of the ways to consider;
Support a Candidate
If you do not want to offer for election yourself you can certainly seek out and support a candidate that most closely reflects your own values. Municipal election campaigns can use a number of skill sets including door to door campaigning, policy development, election strategy and election day transportation. Being part of a campaign can be a great way to meet new people, develop skills and feel connected to your community.
Fire Service
Most municipalities rely on volunteers to run the fire service. These volunteers contribute to the safety of their communities and as well often contribute greatly to the social fabric of their communities through fund raisers and social events. New volunteers are provided training and support and protective clothing and are gratefully welcomed by the volunteer fire service and the community.
Join a Committee
Each municipality has a Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) which is comprised of members of council and members of the public. The PAC is there to advise council on matters relating to the development and amendment and implementation of the municipality’s municipal planning strategy. It is one of the more important committees of council and is required under law.
Many municipalities have a number of committees which include citizen membership. These committees can focus on areas such as recreation and economic development. To determine which opportunities are available in your municipality you should contact the municipal clerk for a list of these committees and also ask for the committee’s terms of reference to see which one best matches your interests and talents.
Run for the School Board
Schools are governed by an elected board of education. Elections are held on the same day as municipal elections. Although these elections do not always get the same amount of attention as their municipal counterparts, nevertheless they represent an important part of local democratic governance. Election to the school board would be a good choice for those who wish to make a contribution to primary and secondary education in their community.
Be Active in Your Community
There are also many important local groups and activities where an offer to contribute would be most welcome. These might include a business association, a health charity, a recreation/sports group and the arts community to name only a few. Participating as a volunteer not only helps to make your community stronger but also provides for a personal enriching experience.
Related Candidate Articles
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Mothers, Sisters, Daughters…Did you know that while women make up more than 50 percent of our population, they make up a mere 21 per cent of municipal councillors and 7 per cent of mayors and wardens in Nova Scotia? -
The municipal council is the governing body of the municipality. The council should reflect the diversity of views and opinions that naturally reside within the municipality. Too often this is not the case and decisions are made that do not fully take into account this diversity. -
Speak to others who have served on the municipal council. They will be able to tell you first hand what it is like. They will have experienced the joys as well as the disappointments of being a municipal politician. This will help you decide if this is for you. -
Remember that one of the hall marks of a successful municipal politician is continuous learning. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and to grow. Progressive municipalities will set aside monies in the annual budget to support the training and development of their municipal councillors. -
Sincere desire to make your community better. This should be the main motivation for any form of public service including being a municipal councillor. A willingness to listen to a variety of demands place upon you and your time by individuals and groups in your community. -
Being a municipal councillor means being a community leader. It is a place where you and your fellow councillors can make a real difference in the lives of the people in your community. -
The Municipal Elections Act provides all the statutory requirements for a Municipal Election. For those thinking of running for a Municipal Election, you need to determine if you can run. -
Making the
decision to run for municipal office is not an easy decision to make but
once it is made you should direct all of your energies to winning the
election. To do so you will need to have a well-organized campaign plan
in order to be successful. -
Offering to stand for municipal election is certainly a noble and selfless contribution to the betterment of your community but it is certainly not the only way in which those who are so inclined can do so. Indeed there are many ways to make a contribution many of which require much less time and are not so much in the spot light.
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The salary and benefits for Elected Officials vary widely from municipality to municipality. -
The day after the municipal election can be a very scary time. The campaign is over and you have been elected. What do you do?
The first things to do is take a deep breath and realize that many people have just gone through what you have; they are feeling the same way you are feeling and have come through with flying colours.