People do care.
That was the feeling we had leaving a speaking engagement in Erin a few weeks back. The subject matter was a bit dry – newspapers and democracy – all bundled up under the title “Keep it real.”
Exiting the building, one attendee queried about any outreach the newspaper community may have with young people, specifically in schools.
The old newspapers in education program was often promoted by daily newspapers back in the good old days of flush balance sheets and staff aplenty. The idea is good and that welcome reminder that good readers make for good citizens prompted us to push for funding from the Ontario Community Newspaper Foundation. Civics needs a boost. We will try.
Had civics and public debate still factored into education we may not see the current degree of ignorance that exists. Simple things – like how to run a meeting, the power of a vote, how to approach government and institutions to effect – there are ways to make peace and benefit all.
Relying on social media and whatever passes as progressive thinking has been a mixed bag in terms of seeing communities gel and improve the lives of all. We believe people care and ways need to be found to let voices be heard.
And we aren’t talking about the slickest and loudest, who have overshadowed many conversations.
There is little doubt 2023 has been a difficult year on the civility front. A concerted effort is needed to turn that around; to encourage ways of communicating that resist the urge to denigrate and opt instead to elevate debates to the highest of ideals.
People do care – it’s time for a change.
