I have been a long-time lurker on museum-l,
but feel the need to speak up on the point of how museum professionals
relate to politics/politicians/elections. Being in Canada makes it a
little different, but ultimately the messages is the same: we need to
be our own best advocates.
Canada finds itself moments away from the announcement of a Federal
election (oh how I wished they were set dates, like in the US!). There
has also been a *brutal* list of cuts recently announced by the party
in power -- it is quite the opportunity to boot out this group.
However, we need to ask - nay, demand - that the others running for
office tell us what they can do for the arts, culture and heritage in
our country. And we can't just tell them 'we need this much money
because it is good for our country' -- we have to say why they should
support us. These points have to be so direct that the current party
will hang their head in shame when they have to tell us to our face
why they see the need to cut support to these programs. (They cut them
as if no one would care - and even insulted the whole profession while
doing it! It is time to be outraged!)
So what I plan to do is this: as a *private individual voter* I will
write both my local representatives and the national head of each
party, asking their stance on supporting museums, galleries and
heritage properties in our country. I will spell out the educational,
community and legacy aspects of why we matter. And I will say I need
them I need them to be sure to support us, not just monetarily (could
be an old-fashioned model...), but philosophically as well, for that is
so important when they set new policy. And museums so need to be at
that policy-setting table.
This is powerful time for the
electorate here -- we are not un-empowered, for each individual voter
is making or breaking
the candidates' futures through their support. It is pretty wonderful
that both Americans and Canadians get this voting privilege this fall -
I hope to make the most of the opportunity by standing up
and saying what is important to me, for now is the time to tell the people running for
office that museums matter.
Off my soapbox.
Caroline Posynick
Victoria, British Columbia
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