With a federal election happening this year take some advice from the Canadian Taxpayer Federation to make a difference.
Each year, the various levels of government put out surveys, requests for input, and even invitations to make presentations. Seldom do taxpayers take advantage of these opportunities. Even though taxpayers outnumber special interests, special interests dwarf taxpayers when it comes to putting forward their demands.
Take opportunities that are presented to you as a taxpayer and create some of your own. Find out when city council meets and ask how to make a presentation. Go to your provincial government’s website and find out what requests are posted for public input. Even filling out a ten minute online survey or one sent in the mail makes a difference.
Writing letters or emails remains the best proactive way to get involved. Politicians understand that a single letter represents the views of several of their constituents.
Letters-to-the-editor are one of the most widely read sections of any newspaper. Issues of taxation, government waste and accountability have a good chance at being published. This means your letter could send a message to thousands of people.
Blogging is a great way to get your views out. A blog – short for “web log” – is a website that features commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics, videos and links. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. Visitors to blog sites can comment on postings.
Social networking sites can let you be heard and create change by starting a group page on Facebook. Anyone can add their name to your group. Often even the very existence of such groups, as well as their membership numbers, earns wider news coverage. The group also provides a forum for people of like mind to discuss the issue and strategize.
Twitter is another great way to keep your friends and followers updated on current issues and news stories. Twitter members can make posts no longer than 140 characters and other users can follow your updates. It’s a great way to publicize campaigns and events and to motivate others to get involved.
