Ballenas Civics Action Group Shows Students Thinking Globally and Acting Locally

Having finished their Civics course the year before, a group of grade 12 students at Ballenas Secondary missed the opportunities to learn about and discuss a broad range of issues that Civics had afforded them. It was the desire to recreate these opportunities that gave them the impetus to join with other like-minded peers to form a Civics Action Group.

The Ballenas Civics Action Group has a simple mandate: to provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge of political, global, local and environmental issues; to create an environment conducive to their being discussed; and also to provide opportunity for the organization of group or individual action.

Every other week students put together a fifteen-minute presentation on a national or international topic, and present it to the rest of the class. So far the Chilean Student Protests, the Kyoto Protocol, the Canadian federal government system, as well as the Canadian Omnibus Crime Bill (Safe Streets and Communities Act) have all been examined during the Civic Action Group’s lunchtime meetings. During the discussion period afterwards, all students are given the opportunity to give their views and opinions. This dialogue between the students gives fresh insight.

In a merging of local and environmental concerns, the group has also begun boosting the Ballenas recycling program, expanding the list of items available for recycling to include compostables and soft plastics. Lili Simon, Environment chair, says: “I think it’s really important for us to focus upon what we can do locally, and from there expand on what we can do internationally, to help our planet.”

Also in the works are several environmental education sessions, which will include members of the group presenting both at Ballenas and at other local schools. Discussed will be the current status, and apparent future, of several endangered Canadian species, the effects of climate change on the Canadian environment as well as an in-depth look at the steps taken towards combating climate change by Canadian governments. “We really believe that education is key in ensuring that we can all begin to move forward to tackle the issues that are facing us now and that will play important roles in our futures,” says Hayley Milne, “and we hope that us sharing our knowledge and passion will kindle the interests of others.”

While the Civics Action Group has given a forum to individuals to speak out and address issues, perhaps one of its greatest achievements is showing the ability of youth to make a difference, and proving that age poses few boundaries that can’t be swept aside by the strength of determination, will power and belief that many of the Civics Action Group display.

“Civics Action Group has provided me with incredible knowledge on current events on a political environmental and global scale. I’ve learnt how to better communicate with my peers and it’s given me insight on youth’s role in changing society today.”
 - Nic Annau