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Municipal Affairs
Executive Council
June 25, 2009

MakeYourMarkNL Campaign Encourages Participation in Municipal Council

An interactive, innovative marketing campaign to encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to consider a run at municipal politics was launched today by the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. Minister Whalen was joined by Graham Letto, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and various stakeholders at the Colony of Avalon Interpretation Centre in the Town of Ferryland.

"MakeYourMarkNL will promote the opportunity for individuals to consider how their voice can be an important one through involvement in municipal council," said Minister Whalen. "Municipalities require strong leadership and individuals who have a vision for the future. Councils across the province are looking for people with varied backgrounds who can introduce new ideas and work to promote, secure and improve communities. Municipal councillors can see the future, and there is no question that tomorrow�s potential starts with today�s leaders."

In 2007, the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Community Cooperation Resource Centre conducted a survey of municipal councillors. Findings indicated that more than 60 per cent of sitting councillors in the province were either unsure about running again in the 2009 election, or had already decided not to offer themselves for re-election.

"Our government recognizes that without attracting new candidates or rekindling an individual�s desire to run, the long-term sustainability of our municipalities will be at risk," said Minister Whalen.

The MakeYourMarkNL campaign will aim to inspire individuals to run for election or encourage someone they know to consider placing their name on a ballot in the community in which they live. The second phase of the campaign will inform voters on the importance of voting in the September 29 election.

MakeYourMarkNL will utilize traditional and social media to build awareness on the impact that municipal councillors can make. The campaign will utilize a website, www.makeyourmarknl.ca, posters and online advertising, and also employ Facebook and YouTube online social marketing sites. Each of these methods will aim to increase awareness of the contribution individuals make to their communities through testimonial videos, photo galleries, discussion boards, and finally a contest to ask how individual Newfoundlanders and Labradorians would make their mark on their city or town.

"Volunteers play a huge part in programs and services that are offered in towns across the province," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. "The role of volunteers in municipal governments is essential to a community�s success and their hard work and dedication contributes to this province�s growth. I encourage people to get involved in municipal government and have a positive impact on the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

"Change starts when someone takes the first step," said Graham Letto, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. "The greatest contribution you could make to your hometown and province is taking on a leadership role. This campaign encourages everyone to make the change they want by offering themselves up for public service."

MakeYourMarkNL is an initiative of the Provincial Government, and supported by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, the Professional Municipal Administrators, the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Policy Office, the Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat and Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador for Youth (Finaly). Each group will play an integral role in promoting the importance of running for local government within their respective audiences.

"We are confident this campaign will spread the message that communities need good people to help shape tomorrow," said Minister Whalen. "Getting involved, whether by running or simply voting, provides an opportunity to make things better today for future generations to come. My own experience has shown me that there is nothing more satisfying than knowing your contribution has affected so many people."

Further information about this new campaign can be found at www.makeyourmarknl.ca.

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Sharon King
Communications Officer
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-6820, 699-5619
communications@municipalitiesnl.com
Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat
Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
 

2009 06 25                                                    2:20 p.m.
 


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