My friends didnt vote in 2011, this is what Im doing about it.

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Published on Tuesday, 07 April 2015 09:34
Written by editor

NationBuilder SHD Hi PAOV,

My name’s Nicky Young. I’m part of the video team at SHD. I made this short video about myself if you’re interested in learning a bit more about me!

During the last federal election in 2011, I was 18 and about as politically motivated as the rest of the skateboarders in my small circle of friends. I don’t think any of my friends voted, which left me wondering if it was even worth it. I felt useless. Four years later I feel more empowered than I could ever have imagined. This is the story of how my life changed.

Over the course of a couple of years I went from doing video and photography for skateboard magazines to working as a photo journalist for an independent progressive media outlet. In 2014 they assigned me to cover a direct action that was organized by ShitHarperDid community members in Toronto. After seeing the creativity and courage of SHD’s work I simply couldn’t remain an outside observer. I quickly crossed the line from documenting to participating, even though it meant throwing away a possible career path as a journalist.
Within weeks I was working with the very SHD supporters I had originally been assigned to cover. I actually used my media credentials to help us get into a high profile PR event with Laureen Harper last year. Together we managed to disrupt a Conservative plan to leverage Stephen Harper's wife for political gain. We did this by simply raising a question about missing and murdered Indigenous women. This was my first time experiencing the impact that a small group of committed and creative people can make.
It’s estimated that 6 million young people won’t vote in the next election. That’s six million people who feel the same way I used to, either unaware or frustrated to the point of apathy. For me, all it took was a little inspiration to break me out of that thinking. I think the most inspiring feelings are creativity and courage, and they’re what I feel most with ShitHarperDid. Earlier this year I put my life on hold and moved from Toronto to Vancouver, to volunteer on SHD film projects. I’ve committed myself to helping inspire others into action. Today, as I sit at a table in downtown Vancouver among comedians, artists and activists all working on a shared goal, I couldn’t be more happy about making that decision.
I know that together we can inspire young people like me across the country to take action. However, to make the kind of impact that is necessary we need to take our work to the next level. Can you join hundreds of supporters across the country who have chipped in to help us counter the Conservative election strategy?
With hope,
Nicky, SHD.ca
http://www.shd.ca/

SHD · Canada

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