How can you make sure your voice is heard with your local government? How can you spur action within the municipality?
Those were the overlying questions during the panel session, “Turning Advocacy into Action: How to Deliver Powerful Municipal Delegations.” Cathy Burghardt-Jesson (Mayor of Lucan Biddulph and Deputy Warden of Middlesex County), Robin Jones (Mayor of Westport and 2024 President of the Association of Municipalities Ontario), Jenny Leblond (CAO Clerk-Treasurer of the Township of Chisholm), and Albert Witteveen (Niagara Regional Councillor) took the stage at the 2024 Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Annual General Meeting to discuss with OFA President and panel moderator Drew Spoelstra how municipal residents can boost their delegation abilities.
The panel offered a wide range of advice on how to give a great delegation, including:
- Keep the presentation to one person
- Speak with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and staff beforehand
- Assume people know nothing about the topic
- Use pictures
- Respect the time limit
- Don’t use your voice just to criticize.
“If you’re coming to complain, offer a solution, and offer it on a platter,” said Witteveen.
When it comes to what makes a successful delegation, it’s not always so black and white. Sometimes, action may not occur, but the sign of positive resident engagement is based on just how engaged both sides were.
“If my staff worked with you, I consider that a success. It’s more about the process,” said Jones. “We want you to be successful, you just have to colour within a few lines.”
The panel’s insights emphasized the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between municipal governments and residents. Effective advocacy is not only about making your point but also about working together to find practical solutions. The session left attendees with valuable tools to navigate the sometimes-complex dynamics of municipal governance, underscoring the importance of preparation, respect, and persistence.