Youth Engagement in Action: Branavi Raveendran on the Toronto Mayoral By-Election and Community Engagement
In this insightful interview, Branavi Raveendran, a passionate undergraduate student, shares her experiences and perspectives on the significance of youth engagement in the Toronto mayoral by-election. From addressing key issues affecting young people to providing practical strategies for staying informed and involved, Branavi highlights the power of active participation in shaping the city’s future.
““Remember, your vote is a powerful tool for change. By actively participating in the democratic process, you have the opportunity to shape the future of Canada and contribute to building a society that reflects your values and aspirations.””
About Branavi: Branavi is a driven individual who is currently in her final undergraduate year, pursuing an Honours degree in Political Science, International Development, and Global Asia Studies. With a keen interest in International Development, she has also completed the UofT Global Scholar Certificate, further enriching her knowledge in the field. Branavi actively contributes to the Knowledge Equity Lab at the University of Toronto Scarborough, working under the guidance of Professor Leslie Chan from the Department of International Development Studies. She has gained valuable experience through previous roles with the Canadian Labour Congress, the Ontario New Democrats Party, and the University of Toronto. Recently, Branavi had the privilege of being involved in the Toronto elections, which ignited her passion for political engagement. Looking ahead, she aspires to pursue a Master's degree in Political Management and ultimately work for the Federal Government, focusing on policy development.
Q: What is your role, and what inspired you to get involved with the Toronto mayoral byelection?
A: I not only had the opportunity to be a ticket taker and usher for the Toronto Mayoral Byelection Debate: Scarborough Issues but also was hired by the Toronto Elections team as a Returning Ballot Officer. I was inspired to get involved with the Toronto mayoral byelection because I was born in Toronto, and therefore, having a by-election for a new Toronto mayor while being a Political Science student seemed like the perfect opportunity to put my political science skills to good use. Although I do not currently live in Toronto, I work and study there and therefore I know how important this election is. I knew I could not vote but wanted to take part to make a change in my community.
Q: What issues or policies do you believe are most relevant to the youth in Toronto, and how do you expect the mayoral by-election to address them?
A: In my opinion, I believe housing, employment opportunities, and education are most relevant to the youth in Toronto. I expect candidates in a mayoral by-election to address these issues by outlining their policy ideas and speaking with young people directly. To better understand the unique needs and goals of young people, they can host town halls, conferences, and consultations. Candidates can advocate for policies that address the concerns of the youth population through their campaigns by bringing attention to them, providing solutions, and raising awareness. In the end, the election gives young people a chance to express their views and back candidates who share their priorities and set of values.
Q: What strategies or initiatives would you recommend to youth in Toronto to stay informed about local politics and the candidates running in the by-election?
A: Everyone is different and some strategies or initiatives might or might not work for you but I believe the best way to stay informed about candidates running in the by-election is to do personal research about every candidate. Every candidate has their own story to share and it is a good idea to examine their platforms and proposed policies, as well as their social media pages and official campaign websites. This will enable you to assess their suitability for the post and grasp their stance on important subjects. In terms of local politics, a good way to stay informed is to participate in online political forums, discussion boards, or social media communities that are dedicated to local politics. You can communicate with people who have similar interests on these sites, exchange information, and talk about diverse election viewpoints. You can also watch different new outlets in the city to hear about their policy plans and future goals for the city. Keep in mind that being informed is an ongoing process. By actively engaging with the political landscape and seeking out diverse sources of information, you can make informed decisions and have a meaningful impact on the electoral process.
Q: Why is it important for young people to exercise their right to vote in the Toronto mayoral by-election? What message does a high youth voter turnout send to the candidates and the broader community?
A: I believe there are two vital reasons why it is important for young people to exercise their right to vote in the Toronto mayoral by-election. First, it exercises representation. Voting gives young people the chance to guarantee that their opinions and voices are heard in the decision-making process. They can support the election of a candidate who recognizes and values their issues, passions, and goals. The mandate for candidates to address issues important to young people is strengthened by a high turnout of young voters. Second, youth can impact policies. Election involvement by young people has the potential to affect candidates' and elected officials’ policy platforms. Candidates are more likely to pay attention to issues affecting young people and create policies that address their needs when there is a high turnout among this demographic. The message that comes from a high youth turnout is that young people are politically active and that their issues should be addressed seriously. Furthermore, a high youth voter turnout sends a powerful message to both the candidates running in the election and the broader community. It conveys that young people are actively engaged and interested in the political process. It indicates that young voters are invested in their community, concerned about its future, and committed to making a difference through their participation. It encourages candidates and the broader community to listen, respond, and take meaningful action to address the concerns and aspirations of young voters. It also reinforces the notion that democracy is strengthened when all segments of society, including the youth, actively participate in the electoral process.
Q: How can young people sustain their interest and involvement in politics beyond the mayoral by-election? What long-term strategies or actions can they take to stay engaged in shaping their communities?
A: Young people can take into account the following tactics to maintain their interest and participation in politics after the mayoral by-election is something I always tell youth to get their foot in the door or begin their political journey is by VOLUNTEERING! Volunteer for issues and campaigns that resonate with you to engage in grassroots activism. Supporting politicians, taking part in issue-based campaigns, or volunteering with groups addressing political or social issues that you are passionate about can all be examples of this. You may support causes you care about by volunteering your time, talents, and energy. In addition to this, you can join political groups that share your views and interests. These organizations frequently offer chances for political activism, campaign planning, and networking. Finally, by using social media to advocate for community and political issues. Share educational material, participate in discussions, and spread the word about political issues. Connect with like-minded people, spread vital messages, and encourage civic engagement with your online presence.
Q: Why is it important for young people to actively engage in politics within their communities? What benefits can they derive from participating in local political processes?
A: By young people staying actively engaged in politics, there is a sense of community-building, and skill development, and can take part in social change. Young people have the opportunity to engage in politics and gain a variety of skills that are useful in both the personal and professional spheres. Public speaking, critical thinking, negotiating, teamwork, event organizing, and campaign management are some of these abilities. Participating actively in local political processes helps young people develop these abilities and get ready for future leadership positions. Young people have the opportunity to make a real difference and contribute to constructive social change by getting involved in politics in their local communities. They can contribute to the development of more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities by supporting measures that deal with social challenges. Young people who are actively engaged can actively contribute to the growth and well-being of their communities. Moreover, young people are ultimately empowered, their voices are amplified, and they are able to participate in political processes when they actively participate in politics within their communities. It promotes good social change, cultivates a feeling of community ownership and accountability, and equips students for leadership positions in influencing the course of their society.
Q: If you had the opportunity to address Canadian youth about the significance of voting, what key message would you convey to inspire them to take part in the democratic process? Can you provide some practical tips or steps they can take to overcome barriers or obstacles that may prevent them from voting?
A: Remember, your vote is a powerful tool for change. By actively participating in the democratic process, you have the opportunity to shape the future of Canada and contribute to building a society that reflects your values and aspirations. To overcome barriers or obstacles that may prevent young people from voting, here are some practical tips and steps they can take is make a voting plan. Plan ahead to make sure you can vote. Mark the election day in your calendar and determine how you will get to the polling station. Consider any potential conflicts or commitments and make arrangements to ensure you have the time and means to vote. Another good tip is to vote in advance. These methods allow flexibility for individuals who may be away from their electoral district or have limited availability on election day. Finally, another good tip is to explore opportunities to work as an election worker. This can provide you with firsthand experience of the electoral process, deepen your understanding of democracy, and contribute to the smooth functioning of elections.
Branavi is such a leader in her space and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes. The value of youth participation in local elections and community involvement through volunteering cannot be overstated. Toronto, what are you voting for on June 26th?
