Because Showing Up Matters
Join Tyler Smale in building a stronger Central East region. Add your name and we'll share campaign updates ahead of convention.
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We'll keep you posted on key dates and how to help.
My Plan for Central East
As Ontario Young Liberals Central East Coordinator, I will focus on three key areas to strengthen our region and engage young people in the political process.
Campus Young Liberal Clubs
There are over 6 Colleges/Universities across Central East; only 1 has a Young Liberal Club. As Central East Coordinator, I will work with the Student Director to found campus clubs and train executives on grassroots organizing.
Riding Young Liberal Clubs
As Central East Coordinator, I will work with the Central East VP to connect PLAs with young liberals and help build youth organizer networks, especially in ridings that need strong efforts to unseat the Conservatives.
Youth Executives and Candidates
As Central East Regional Coordinator I will do everything in my power to provide support and resources to young people in our region seeking positions on executive boards and candidacy in ridings across Central East.
My Story
My journey in organizing and politics began in 2018, when I watched Doug Ford and the Conservatives gut public education funding as one of their first acts of Government, leaving students with less. With some friends, I helped organize a school walkout. My high school joined thousands of schools across Ontario as young people stood together with one unifying voice and made it clear we wouldn't accept anything less than a quality education.
That walkout led me on a journey where I would not only grow to love politics, but also to hold multiple positions in it, including:
- Organization Chair of the Whitby FLA
- Youth Chair of the Whitby FLA
- Director on the Whitby PLA
Not to mention a campaign for school board Trustee, and countless days and nights canvassing to bring better representation to my home.
Since that moment protesting outside my school almost 7 years ago, I've experienced a lot of moments that have taught me the most important lesson: Change comes when those who want change learn to show up.
Politics is about showing up to have the conversations we all need to have; even the difficult ones. With friends, family, neighbours, and even strangers. That universal truth is no different for youth, and it's exactly what we need in Central East, the willingness to have tough conversations and engage with people who otherwise wouldn't see themselves as a Liberal.
