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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