Some Afterthoughts and Looking Forward

It was a wild ride. I joined the campaign late, but when I did, I immediately felt like a fit in. Like I belonged. Volunteering for Greg Clark and the Alberta Party has been absolutely amazing, with experiences I could never replace. From getting the motivation to write a seven page paper on how to make engagement more democratic to helping an elderly gentleman - confined to home and his wheelchair for some time now - get into a vehicle so his family could take him for a drive for the first time in years. Repairing damaged signs - even those of our rivals - to the fun and sometimes hostile social media wars.

Everyone, I thank you. Every volunteer for every candidate of every party, you have all made me feel special this past week and a half. It has been an absolute delight to work on this campaign for Greg Clark and the Alberta Party.

So, the question is "what now?"

My Alberta Party membership expires in 2019, so obviously, I intend to get involved in the next general election. I also am eager to get involved with my constituency association (I live in Calgary Currie). But I also have a normal life to get back to. I need to look for a part-time job, I need to get involved with my Community Association, I also need to get back to my true passion: poverty reduction and homeless human rights.

I fully plan in getting back to being involved with Calgary Action Committee on Housing and Homelessness. I missed a meeting with the Calgary Homeless Foundation this past week so I could work on the campaign. This also grants me some free time to work with CHF and Poverty Talks! on getting a "Longest Night of the Year" memorial for homeless persons who passed away. I'm going to be busy.

So, looking forwards, I have a lot of work to do. We can end poverty in Calgary. We can guarantee the homeless still get to live with a basic standard of dignity and end discrimination. Together, we can make a better world for everyone - but everyone has to be at the table.