10 Questions: Voice

Voice on the Coast, a local group that aims to attract, retain and engage the younger generation on the Sunshine Coast, asked 10 questions to municipal candidates.  Candidate responses will be posted on their Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/voicesunshinecoast Here are my answers as mayoral candidate in the District of Sechelt…

1.      What do you think local government can do to address affordability and income inequality?

When looking at economic prosperity on the Sunshine Coast, all constituents must be taken into consideration.  On one end of the continuum, there are people who are on disability or fixed income and live cheque to cheque, barely surviving.  Most of their monthly income is spent on housing with very little remaining for the bare essentials such as food or transportation.  On the other end of the continuum, there are people who live on the Sunshine Coast seasonally who visit their summer home during the summer months or opted to move to the Sunshine Coast to retire. Local government needs to acknowledge economic issues such as affordability and inequality to consider viable options to move forward with while thinking about our local economy.  This may involve a living wage campaign, affordable housing opportunities, or small business initiatives.  

2.      What ideas do you have to improve access to higher education, trades and training opportunities for young adults on the coast?

As an educator, I’m a huge advocate for education and believe that education is an underpinning for economic growth and prosperity.  When we invest in our people, we are investing in our economy.  The Sunshine Coast is very fortunate to have Capilano University located in Sechelt, in addition to services provided by School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast).  There are local opportunities to engage in higher education with some first year university courses, adult basic education, and various certificate programs.  The school district also offers Ace-It (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training) programs in the areas of carpentry, mechanics, and culinary arts. These programs lead to a level 1 certification to high school students from Vancouver Island University.  These educational institutions provide access to higher education, trades, and training. The role of local government can take in this is finding ways to liaise with our local education institutions and businesses or industries to create opportunities for apprenticeship, mentorship, or work-based learning opportunities where younger adults can work and learn at the same time.  

3.      What can local governments do to better support to at-risk youth (through outreach and a drop-in centre)? Would you consider co-funding partnerships with other coast governments?

I believe that we have programs currently in place within the community and school district to support at-risk youth.  With that said, creating partnerships with other local governments would be a consideration if needs are not being met.  As much as we are defined by our municipalities and jurisdictions, we are all interconnected on the Sunshine Coast.  Investing in our youth, in general, is worthy and worthwhile.  It would be investing in our future.  I would support any direction or programs that would enable and empower our youth in a meaningful and positive way. 

4.      What ideas do you have for improving access to decent affordable housing? (especially for renters)

The cost of housing is definitely a barrier for many young adults and families.  Although housing on the Sunshine Coast is somewhat more affordable than the Lower Mainland, the cost of housing is almost out of reach for the younger generation.  For myself, my husband and I purchased our home 10 years ago and we managed to acquire our home with the financial help from my parents.  Today, I don’t think we could afford the house we are currently living in.  I would like to consider ideas implemented in the past with respect to affordable housing and entertain new possibilities.  It would be difficult to entertain the idea of attracting young adults to attend our university or seek new employment if they are unable to afford housing, cost of living, transportation, or childcare. 

5.      How would you support early childhood development and improve access to quality childcare for young families on the coast?

The school district has a strong early learning program that supports families and children before these children enter kindergarten.  These early learning programs are outstanding.  Furthermore, the school district is also involved in creating space for childcare facilities in Gibsons and Sechelt.  More facilities that offer childcare is critical to young families, especially when one or two parents work and have no other alternatives for childcare.  The demand for flexible and affordable childcare on the Sunshine Coast is significant.  As a mom, I found it challenging 10 years ago to find affordable and flexible childcare that best suited our needs.  I would like to see more childcare facilities at work places that would also accommodate childcare beyond the 9-5 hours.  Not every parent is working on weekdays during business hours.  Those who work at the hospital or pulp mill, for instance, have shift work.  Training local people to certify as early childhood educators and enabling these people to be small business owners to provide quality childcare would be ideal.

6.      Describe how you propose to support small businesses, the expansion of tourism and economic development?

According to Vital Signs, 99% of businesses on the Sunshine Coast employ 20 people or less.  Self-employment and small business are viable options for many people on the Sunshine Coast to sustain employment. I would support initiatives that nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.  This may include workshops or institutes that would help emerging or current entrepreneurs on how to start a business, create a business plan, and understand relevant bylaws.  Other opportunities may include incentives that would benefit both the municipality and small business owner.  I am also interested in ‘social enterprise’ where small businesses can make a profit while contributing back to the community.  The Sunshine Coast is rich with people with good ideas.  I believe this will require some creativity, local expertise, and collaboration to move forward and implement.  When municipalities can support small businesses, we create employment opportunities and growth.

7.      How do you propose to balance growth while protecting our air quality and other natural environmental assets?

We live in an amazing place.  There is never a day that goes by when I don’t find myself saying, “I live here.”  One of Sunshine Coast’s strengths is the environment. Protecting our environment and sustaining what we currently enjoy and value as one of the priorities for consideration when moving forward with any major projects or developments.  Any project or substantial endeavour will require thoughtful inquiry and due diligence. Consultation with the community, professional advice from staff and/or consultants, and informed deliberation by council form the conversation guided by the OCP, will establish a shared vision, and result in good decision making. 

8.      Many young people complain about a lack of places to hang out – what ideas do you have to support the creation of gathering spaces?

I would turn the question back to young people to ask what their ideas are to remedy this problem.  Most times when I think about “complaining”… I cannot consider the issue unless there is a complimentary and productive discussion about “possible solutions.”  My lived experience as a middle aged mom, educator, and school trustee may not provide adequate solutions to solve this problem.  Yes, I would hope that people at the table would provide viable options, but I would like to also hear from those who have the complaint, listen to their thoughtful suggestions, and council with staff expertise to deliberate the reasonableness of possible recommendations. 

9.      What can be done to attract more young people to the coast?

To attract young people and families to the Sunshine Coast will require a multi-dimensional approach.  First, we must figure out what attracts young people to the Sunshine Coast.  Is it affordable housing?  Is it employment?  Is it the lifestyle?  Identifying these attributes would highlight the Sunshine Coast’s strengths.  Second, we need to determine what is working well and what needs improvement.  This assessment and feedback process needs to engage young people to create possible solutions to the problem.  Your voice matters.  I’m 44 years old and my solutions may not reflect the thinking of someone who is 22 years old.  This would require opportunities for conversation to create a shared understanding and solutions the municipality can pursue. Third, we need act on what is suggested that would be in the best interest of the community and move forward.  Retaining and attracting young people and families are a priority. I would like to see my family and others to thrive on the Sunshine Coast.  Other areas to consider are transportation, housing, and childcare in addition to education and employment opportunities.

10.  What will you do as a candidate to reach out to youth & find out about the issues that matter to them?

Talk with them.  Talk to students face-to-face and ask them what’s important to them.  I love it when my 11-year old daughter comes home from school to tell me with excitement that she was talking with her friends about municipal politics.  This is encouraging.  Create an interest.  Invite them in.  It’s about engagement and listening to their issues and their thoughtful solutions. I chat with youth in my professional work, but also remain connected to young adults whom I’ve taught via social media and face-to-face as a fellow parent.  I am listening, learning, and leading.  

What’s My Why

Sechelt Mayoral Candidate 2014

Why are you running for mayor?  There are plenty of hypotheses being formed “out there”… but the answer is simple.  I want to serve the people of Sechelt.  That’s it.  I have no ill intentions… nor do I have any secret collaborations to obstruct the democratic process.  In fact, I put my name forward as mayor because we do live in a democracy.  I appreciate that some constituents of Sechelt are trying to figure out my motives for running for mayor.  What’s my why?  First, I have always been in the service of others… as a curling club member, a high school mathematics teacher, and school trustee.  It is in my nature to extend myself beyond the act of curling, teaching, or governing.  I am driven to help others, work with others, and lead others to realize our greatest potential.  Thus, putting my name forward as mayor comes to no surprise to me.  Second, as mentioned in a previous blog, Running for Mayor, my experience interviewing women at the Sunshine Coast Food Bank motivated me to put my name forward as mayor.  I wondered… Where is this voice in municipal government?  Where is my voice in municipal government?  Where is the community’s voice in municipal government?  I could not answer these questions wholeheartedly.  Third, I put my name forward as mayor because my strengths are best suited in this position… to listen to diverse points of view, to coalesce these points of view, and move forward with a shared vision.  Initially, I had put my name forward for Sechelt Council, but concerned that being one voice of six may not be heard.  As the Mayor of Sechelt, I want to listen, learn, and lead.  I want to provide a community-minded, community-driven leadership in a governance capacity.  I want our community to thrive.  I am focused on community engagement, affordable housing, and small business initiatives.  To find out more about my platform go to: www.christineyounghusband.com.  Meet me face-to-face on Wednesday, October 22nd at Ty’s Fine Foods in Sechelt from 5-7pm at “Meet the Candidate: Christine Younghusband.”  Send me an email, text message, FB message, or Twitter DM.  Call me.  My contact information is found on my website.  If anything, please don’t hypothesize, connect imaginary dots, or gossip to sense-make.  Just ask me.  I’ll let you know.

Younghusband for Mayor

Virtual Campaigning.  How effective is social media in conveying your ideas, thoughts, and dreams?  We do it all of the time in education. I’ve just finished my favourite hour of the week on #bcedchat conversing with educators in BC and North America.  It’s an awesome and engaging experience.  When educators want to celebrate… to inquire… or to connect with others… we will make a TWEET, a Facebook post, or blog.  What role does social media have in municipal politics?  As an educator, I have found Twitter to be an excellent tool and forum to meet new people, learn something new, and share my ideas with others.  As a politician, I admire @CoryBooker, the former Mayor of Newark, NJ… now, US Senator. Cory Booker connected, communicated, and helped his constituents of Newark as mayor via Twitter.  It would be difficult to imagine 10 years ago to be one tweet away from your local politician. I love it.  I encourage it.  Want to connect with me?  Follow me @ChristineYH.

Acclaimed

Re-Elect Younghusband

Re-Elect CHRISTINE YOUNGHUSBAND for School Trustee from the District of Sechelt on November 15th.  Yes, I am running for mayor and school trustee. As a first term trustee, its been an incredible 3 years.  With a formal background and expertise in education, I feel honoured to have chaired the SD46 Education Committee, be an elected member of the BCSTA Education Committee representing the South Coast Branch, and be an appointed member of the Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum representing the BCSTA.  Furthermore, I was recently elected to the 2014/15 BCSTA Board of Directors where I continue my involvement with the BCSTA Education Committee as board liaison.  I am a strong advocate for good governance and quality public education, while maintaining my focus on student learning, student achievement, and student success… locally and provincially.  Having voice at the table makes a difference.  I am passionate about public education and would like to continue with a second term as school trustee. #municipalelections

Running for Mayor

What motivates us to do anything?  What is our purpose?  Why are we here?  Yes… big existential questions as I have put my name forward as a candidate for Mayor in the District of Sechelt.  My background is mathematics educator who is wholeheartedly involved in professional development, student engagement, and governance.  This did not change when I became a school trustee.  Professional development, student engagement, and governance continue to be my priorities with student learning, learning communities, and safe learning environments as my platform… and I am seeking re-election.  So why run for mayor? I thought about running for municipal council but my decision was catalyzed by a transformational experience at the Sechelt Food Bank.  I work at the Community Resource Centre as Program Assistant on the Progress Plan, which is a Status of Women project that is focused on the economic wellness of women on the Sunshine Coast.  Last week, I went to the food bank to interview several women for our final survey. These women were gracious, informative, and insightful.  Their lives are not easy, each day is a struggle, and food is a priority.  I was struck by their honesty, vulnerability, and gratitude.  This humbling experience along with my work on the Sunshine Coast Community Futures Board of Directors, SD46 Board of Education, and BC School Trustees’ Association Board of Directors provoked me to take action and put my name forward.  I am focused on economic prosperity for everyone on the continuum… I am focused on building strong relationships and community… and I am focused on moving forward and helping others. The nomination period ends on October 10th.  I look forward to meeting the nominated candidates for the SD46 Board of Education and District of Sechelt Council.  I am anticipating a vibrant campaign in Sechelt with candidates who desire to ‘make a difference’ in their communities via local government. #municipalelections #November15

A Term In Review

SD46 Board of Education 2013-2014

I cannot believe that 3 years have already passed by.  It’s been an incredible journey being a part of the SD46 Board of Education as school trustee.  I am proud of the work we’ve done, I am appreciative of the people I’ve met, and I am thankful for the learning opportunities I’ve engaged in.  Four years ago, I left teaching secondary mathematics in public schools.  With 16 years of teaching experience, I entered into a 3-year term as school trustee.  For the past 20 years, I’ve always had student learning and student success in mind… as an educator, doctoral student, school trustee, and mom.  I’ve enjoyed my service to public schools as school trustee by creating space to foster student learning.  Some highlights of my first term would be introducing environmental education from conception into action with the Primary Nature School Program, developing LGBTQ policy with students that is separate from bullying and harassment, and welcoming a student trustee to the board table along with the emergence the District Student Leadership Team (DSLT).  I am also proud of the revitalization of the District Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) in addition to increased parent engagement at school PACs, with the Superintendent, and Education Committee.  Moreover, I’ve appreciated the educational leadership roles I’ve assumed as the SD46 Education Committee Chair, member of the Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum, member of the BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) Education Committee, and member of the BCSTA Board of Directors.  In this role, I have learned more about public education from the governance perspective.  This blog only highlights some of the great things accomplished. Don’t get me wrong… there are certainly ups and downs in this governance role.  Boards of Education are continually advocating for more money, making tough decisions regarding budget, and setting/revising policy that will best serve the school district.  This is part of the work. There is no perfect, although I feel that Boards of Education strive for “a near perfect” for our students and the community. It’s been an amazing experience working with this corporate board and I hope to serve another 4 years. #muchgratitude

The Wake

It’s so easy to look back at the wake and wonder if things could have been different.  The wake embeds our memories, our experiences, and our stories.  Sometimes we choose to live in the wake… remembering the past and imagining alternative outcomes.  We hold onto our stories as if they are truth and thus, define who we are.  In our minds, we can relive these stories over and over again.  Unfortunately, this act of false-inquiry will likely lead down a road of sadness, anger, and regret.  This is not a good place to be.  We cannot move forward living in the wake.  Sometimes this is a place of comfort.  Sometimes this is a place of hope.  However, reimagining the past does not change the present.  This is a tough life lesson to learn.  Catch yourself in the wake.  Let it go.  Forgive yourself.  Be thankful for the experience.  Reflect on what was learned.  Take inspired imperfect action.  Move forward.  Then REPEAT.  #DDA

Listen to Intuition

Back to blogging… back to writing… and back to ‘lessons learned’… from my kid. I cannot believe how many lessons I have learn from my daughter.  I have written several blog entries about her and what she has taught me.  Well… she strikes again.  This time she teaches me about listening and intuition… gut feelings, shall we say.  She caught me three times this summer and I did not listen.  The first time happened when we were in Vancouver and I was trying to text my sister.  My kid insisted that I call her.  I did not want to interrupt my sister at work.  As it turned out, I was texting my sister’s iPad at home, not her phone…  Doh… should have called.  The second time was at a neighbourhood BBQ.  We brought a cake to say thank you.  The host put the cake in the fridge.  My kid asked me where the cake was.  We had just finished the BBQ and it was time for dessert.  I said not to worry, the host has a plan.  Sure enough, the host totally forgot about it.  Doh… should have asked.  Finally, I was getting ready for a meeting and wanted to wear a particular scarf.  I could not find it and totally bewildered.  My daughter opted to pull out the drawer of the dresser.  I asked her what she was doing.  Sure enough, my scarf was stuck in the back of the dresser behind the drawer.  Doh… could have looked there myself.  Well, you know how things go… if you don’t figure out the lesson, it just keeps repeating itself until you do…  Listen to intuition. 

Lessons Learned

The “Blog Challenge” has been postponed… understandably.  However, it felt good to return back to my blog a couple of days ago to reflect and clear my mind. So here I am, once again.  It’s truly amazing that teaching and learning happens all around us.  Sometimes it happens in the classroom.  Sometimes it happens in everyday life.  When life presents you with a lesson to learn, you have to be cognizant of it to learn it.  Otherwise, it just comes back to you AGAIN in some other way or form so that you can receive the message.  Most times we are numb to these messages and move forward in life not knowing.  Other times we take in the wrong messages and internalize them as if they were truth.  Our journey is to discern what is meaningful to learn.  Just the other day I was helping an adult learner with his LSAT preparation.  During our session I said… be flexible… don’t overthink it… trust your intuition… don’t be scared about being wrong… make mistakes… keep practicing because it will get easier.  Whoa.  I had to catch myself.  Is this the opportunity when I say “pot-kettle-black”?  A rude realization. This is exactly how I feel about my dissertation.  I’ve written many drafts, many years ago, and got burned.  It felt like I did all that work for nothing.  It’s tough picking yourself up again when you feel defeated.  No wonder when students feel challenged in mathematics, let’s say, they would avoid the subject area so much so that poor achievement was inevitable, thus validating.  Hello?  #potkettleblack