Tough to read, but not a surprise. Many campaigns are toxic for this very reason. There is little to no thought, in my experience, to adequate volunteer screening, important conversations about boundaries, or clear policies around harassment, violence, and abuse. #HamOnt
Tough to read, but not a surprise. Many campaigns are toxic for this very reason. There is little to no thought, in my experience, to adequate volunteer screening, important conversations about boundaries, or clear policies around harassment, violence, and abuse. #HamOnt
This is the #1 reason I have only ever volunteered to help campaigns run by people I know and trust. It's a slippery slope because a lot of power and trust is placed in the hands of volunteers who, in the context of a short campaign, have to scramble to find resources.
In the absence of clear and enforceable policies, and usually while volunteers are totally overworked and exhausted, that scrambling can lead to very, very bad decisions and often to following the path of least resistance, even when it might put others in danger.
Having policies in place, especially those that ensure the safety of every volunteer, means there's something for campaign managers and other volunteers to rely on when making decisions about who gets to be part of campaign spaces (and why or why not).
Candidates must be involved in setting boundaries to ensure that everyone who volunteers for them is protected. When that fails, and it will sometimes, they have to do everything they can to address things immediately and put in place practices to prevent it from recurring.
I don't know Lisa but my personal experience with Deirdre tells me that she doesn't listen, especially in the face of being told she's doing something wrong, stubbornly doubles down, and does what she wants anyway. I've talked to many people who have shared that experience.
I sincerely hope that riding associations in our city, and beyond, reflect on the experience Deanna bravely shared. It's too common and keeps so many people from participating in politics. Believe survivors, protect volunteers, and choose better candidates.
@CameronKroetsch Cameron, would this fall under election reform or could individual candidates\parties set policies like police checks (not ideal), who has access to voter lists.