I have recently ventured into a new form of volunteering. I am canvassing door to door for a political candidate in preparation for next provincial election. Volunteerism is one of my very most favorite things, although most of it has been in committee capacity – many meetings attended and decisions made along with others in the service of the community, of the church, of God. In my profession also blessed with volunteers' assistance - secretaries and coworkers. Now it is walking, yes physical exercise and a totally new unrehearsed human encounter at the end of each sidewalk! Not only that, I begin this volunteer project as a novice, walking sidewalks with an experienced partner obviously a few years younger than I. It is humbling, and it is exhilarating.
As per usual, this presents some
interesting new thoughts for me. First off, I must say it is a study in
decision making. You need to be deliberate in your own head, no waffling once
the die is cast. You are going out there as representative of someone whom you
would like to see as your 'member' in government! That decision needs to come from the core of one’s
being. For me this requires attention to basic convictions that I own as a
Christian. No political party can fully represent my faith. It is important,
however, to be at peace about a particular candidate by affiliation and
by platform, and also demeanor. “To thine own self be true” said Shakespeare once
upon a time. Which candidate will I show my best smile for, and risk a little
abuse if need be? Only fifteen minutes in and I already had a bit of each! Once
you're out there you're the one! You’re in - appreciated by the candidate and
fellow team members, each with our own prior process. We move forward on that.
Secondly I have marveled at procedure - how it gets done. “I am here on behalf of (leader or candidate) wondering if we might count on your support next election” or … "have you made decision re upcoming election?” Sometimes they break out in a smile and animated conversation ensues; next door it may be, “Oh not interested at all” and the door is closed NOW. I have already marveled at my training partner's cheerful “thank you” even as a door is being closed in front of his face. All info duly recorded into a nice little software program downloaded into cellphone.
The humbling part? Well, you get to learn these new tricks precisely because you’ve never done it before.
And the exhilarate? Something about this venture brings on a celebratory tone. This is a positive thing. I am growing tired of coffee shop politics to the extent that my attitude towards friends AND the politicians is going south! It's not fair to impose coffee shop slander on persons submitting their interest, convictions and effort in direction of public service. Rather than slander, I have now had occasion to meet and come to appreciate a learned candidate who: i) is pleased to meet us; ii) is available within the block somewhere just in case one of the ‘doorbells’ wants to speak with her; iii) treats new and seasoned volunteers as equals for the job. This is good stuff. I remember the training for my profession regarding “pastoral conversation” (essays were written and verbatims submitted) but never so brief and so clear as on this occasion a lesson in accepting others even while offering what I’ve got. Nice to learn something just when I thought I knew everything. 😉︊
Politics. In last several years I have met people from Syria, Turkey, Myanmar, South Sudan, Laos, etc. immigrants and/or refugees who have encountered the worst of the worst from competing abusive regimes. I find myself with increased gratitude and appreciation for democracy. These friends from other countries smile at the democratic process still available here in this country of Canada – where our vote is important, welcomed, even encouraged (unlike the shady polling station issues in the U.S.). There are no cynical coffee shop attitudes coming from new immigrants. Most of them have known worse. How to accommodate these newcomers and to incorporate into our Western society is part of the challenge faced by the politicians who want (need?) our support. Needless to say this is by now a talking point at the doorsteps, at community bars and restaurants, and even in the living rooms of our mostly middle class homes.
The common philosophical courtesy bandied around forever has been that two topics to avoid at family gatherings are religion and politics. From my recent experiences I am telling myself not to be deterred from either of these! As a Christian and as beneficiary of early 20th century immigration policies of this country, I am free and willing to engage socialists, indigenous, environmentalists, evangelicals, affirming LGBQT+, fundamentalist Christians or Muslims, and of course fellow educated social activists of any stripe. I am learning a few things about community and teamwork even from people I hardly know.
And one concluding thought. I find this relaxing. Recent experience is confirming for me that people no longer answer their phones, probably another consequence of the coronavirus lock downs. Even when calling service organizations or churches, it's a recorded greeting with a menu of options, and check the website, and then leave a message. Usually no call back. Given this techno hide-and-seek it is refreshing to meet someone cold turkey. Some are pleased to meet you and some are not, but there is no hiding behind a text or voice message. [Oops not quite accurate even here. By now I have already left a few messages speaking to doorbells] Walking up to houses, this mixture of exercise and surprise greetings is a healthy thing. Possibly another person lonely for human contact is behind that door. And come to think of it, the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses in their historic door to door strategies have known a thing or two about us all along.
There is nothing like a fair and honorable election to prepare the way for governing authorities. Our Bible instructs prayer and respect for them. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1) There is a bit of nuance here, but also an important point. Feel free to give me a phone call and we can talk about that. 😏
