My homework assignment changed the world

March 15:
Scott speaks to McDougall congregation about his petition

Okay, so my blog title might be a tad optimistic at this point. But, I really do believe that this little homework assignment will have a lasting impact on Edmonton’s historical, artistic, and literal landscape. In 30 years I fully expect to drive down 101 Street and say to myself, “My #NMN homework assignment helped save McDougall Church.” I am thrilled by this thought.

I had been dreading this assignment because, to be brutally frank, I’ve always viewed online petitions with a jaded eye. I would have become actively involved in the fight to preserve McDougall Church regardless of this assignment—but an online petition would likely not even have been on my radar.

[See the petition here.]

Almost as soon as I created the petition, however, my attitude changed. I felt encouraged by readings like Rainie et al, which talk about people’s political engagement on social media, and by my own independent readings—including this article from the Guardian—that discuss the power of online petitions in spreading awareness and generating publicity.

My petition passed 500 signatures in the first two days, and today (March 15) stands just a few shy of 1,500. Along with the list of names—from across Canada and around the world—the petition has already generated hundreds of eloquent and passionate user comments (read them here).

I have been particularly moved to see the petition spread through social media—and far beyond my own social network. I have seen Facebook posts by complete strangers and tweets by prominent Edmontonians, including this one from renowned choral director Leonard Ratzlaff (U of A professor, director of U of A Madrigal Singers and Richard Eaton Singers, and member of Order of Canada):

City of Edmonton and Government of Alberta: Save McDougall Church http://t.co/fwwuEdY6sf via @CdnChange
— Leonard Ratzlaff (@lratzlaf) March 7, 2015

In my MACT program so far, I have been lucky enough to have several opportunities to apply my schoolwork directly to real-world projects. This unexpected fringe benefit has enriched my learning experience immeasurably.

References:

Rainie, L., Smith, A., Schlozman, K., Brady, H., & Verba, S. (2012, October 18). Social Media and Political Engagement. Retrieved March 15, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/10/19/social-media-and-political-engagement/

Lowery, B. (2013, April 12). Small online petitions can effect change. Retrieved March 15, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2013/apr/12/small-online-petition-change