In every corner of our ridings, there are stories waiting to be heard—stories that highlight the needs, challenges, and hopes of our neighbors. These voices often get drowned out by bigger conversations or lost in the noise of political campaigns.
That’s why Common Ground Ontario Riding Champions exist: to listen, understand, and act. We are looking to help progressive campaigns connect to more local volunteers and connect more volunteers to get out in the community to promote the need for Ontario to Get Out The Vote! Remember, while Doug Ford has a super majority right now, the PC’s only received about 18% of overall support from eligible voters in the 2022 provincial election! We need to work together to remind everyone that if progressive minded residents don’t get out, that is just helping Ford to gain another 4 years in power in this province, Ontario cannot afford another 4 years of cuts to much needed resources like healthcare, education, and affordable housing.
We’re building a network of community volunteers to keep their ears open, their hearts engaged, and their focus sharp on what matters most to local residents. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference in your community, this is your chance.
What is Riding Champions?
Being a Riding Champion is about more than just gathering information—it’s about building connections and creating meaningful change. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a grassroots initiative to listen to residents, document their concerns, and ensure these issues are brought to the forefront. Whether it’s housing affordability, regional transit, education improvements, or access to health services, your work will help inform campaigns and advocacy efforts.
Why Your Role Matters
Every successful movement starts with listening. Here’s why Riding Champions is so important:
Local Insight: You know your community better than anyone. Your observations can help highlight issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Building Trust: By listening, you’re showing residents that their voices matter, fostering trust and collaboration.
Informed Advocacy: Data, stories, and personal experiences collected by volunteers make a stronger case for change when speaking to policymakers or decision-makers.
Ways You Can Get Involved
There’s a role for everyone in Riding Champions, no matter your skills or availability:
Host Community Listening Sessions: Organize small gatherings to hear directly from residents.
Engage One-on-One: Connect with neighbors through conversations—whether on their doorstep, over the phone, or at local events.
Share Field Observations: Take note of what’s happening in your community—like
transit accessibility, neighborhood safety, or infrastructure needs.
Document Stories: Help us collect and amplify the personal stories that show the real impact of local issues.
Report Findings: Work with the team to compile what you’ve heard and identify trends and key concerns.
Who Can Join?
Anyone who cares about their community can volunteer! Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or someone just looking to get involved, we need people who:
Are curious and empathetic listeners.
Have a passion for making their communities better.
Are ready to connect with others and share what they hear.
What’s in it for You?
Volunteering with Riding Champions isn’t just about helping others—it’s a chance to grow, too. As part of the team, you’ll:
Learn more about your community’s unique needs and strengths.
Build new connections and friendships with like-minded residents.
Develop skills in outreach, storytelling, and advocacy.
Make a meaningful impact by ensuring that local voices are heard and acted upon.
Ready to Get Started?
Getting involved is easy:
Sign Up Today: https://forms.gle/PTwapE3ipzSdwdJG7
Read The Resource Manual: We’ll provide everything you need to feel confident in your role and invite you to join our private Facebook group.
Get Out There: Start engaging with your community, listening to their stories, and being the bridge between residents and decision-makers.
Every voice matters. Every story counts.
Together, we can ensure that no one in our province is overlooked or unheard. Join Riding Champions today and help us create the change our communities deserve.
