We're getting to the final stretch.
This week's theme will be focused on Careers.
What are some careers in which a background in civics, citizenship and politics are an asset? You can either discuss the career and requirements necessary or profile a particular individual who had a profound impact. (i..e Lester Pearson who we discussed in class and his contributions to the U.N.).
Things to hand in:
Mass Media
A reflection of your experience at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre
Freedom of Conscience and Religion
Citizenship What was it and what is it
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Three Levels of Government - Reading and Worksheet
Levels of Gov't and Responsibilities - Complete the examples we started yesterday
Things to consider / reflect:
We did the colour cultures game last week, followed up by freedom of expression re: books in schools.
Going back: You were supposed to have listed what you felt was the BEST type of government somewhere here on this blog in the first week. Make sure you've done that and backed up your opinion with facts, examples, details.
The career that I was interested in was a lobbyist. Lobbyist usually has a background in civics and citizenship. Lobbyists’ job is to convince legislators to make public policies that satisfy the clients who hired them. The clients are usually public relations company, pressure groups (public interest groups), union, or trade organization. They use their expertise in politics to give advice to the clients too. The clients vary in types. They could be an oversea government, private company, or NPO (Non-Profit Organization). Lobbyists usually sustain their relationship with the government and hold stakes in decision-making process in local governmental, national, and international sectors.
ReplyDeleteBecoming a lobbyist doesn’t require a specific type field of education. They could be lawyers or former politicians who served in political fields but they usually have bachelor’s degree in political science or communications. However, because lobbyists require communicating with the government officials, making networks with government officials is the most valuable asset for them.
Even if the job doesn’t strongly require actual education, there are some skill sets that the job requires. They need to have strong communication and analytical skills. They should always follow the current event hand they have to analyze what is behind the scene. A lobbyist should also have to be convincing and influential. One will have to handle high levels of stress and keep deadlines.
Lobbyists cannot only convince the lawmakers, they should conduct fundraising and manage the campaigns of politicians who would support their client’s request.
As mentioned earlier, lobbyists work for different organizations. This generally lead to some problems associated with lobbying. Lobbyists’ main job is to influence government decisions. They would make and shape or delay and turn down laws and regulations. Also, they could secure government contracts that worth more than billions of dollars.The problem with this is that most of the lobbying is done for corporates’ interests. Nonprofit organizations or civil pressure groups cannot afford expensive lobbyists. This makes the lobbyists work to benefit for large companies and not the citizens’ interests. Companies now spend more than $2 billion dollars. This is bigger than the money that is funded to run the House and Senate. Every Time a public interest group and a labor union spend a dollar on lobbying, companies spend $34. One of the examples would be Fossil fuels lobby. This is a term for fossil fuel and electric utility company trying to influence the government and regulations. They would want to loosen the energy and fuel use regulations. The downside of this type of lobbying is that it would hasten the global warming.
At the end of the day, lobbyists job is to make lawmakers feel “convinced” and not “bought” in order to lead them to make policies that they want.
http://jobdescriptions.net/legal/lobbyist/
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/278233-public-affairs-consultant-lobbyist-job-description
http://www.lobbyingtransparency.org/open-up-lobbying-1/#lobbying
http://lastresistance.com/the-lobbying-problem-and-how-we-can-fix-it/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuels_lobby
This is a good example of a career in which a background in civics would be beneficial. If they are going to persuade the government to make changes, they would likely not be successful or promote the right message if they are not aware of the importance of people's rights and their citizenship.
DeleteI agree with Tessa. I think a lobbyist is an excellent example of a career that requires a background in civics and politics.
DeleteI also agree with Nigel and Tessa that a background in civics, and citizenship would greatly benefit someone that wishes to become a lobbyist.
DeleteAny career regarding the government or politics, (specifically a leader of a country like a Prime Minister or a President), should require a background in civics, citizenship, and politics. For example, I do not think someone in power of an organization or level of government should be in power if they do not have a proper understanding of civics. The definition of civics is “the social science regarding people’s rights and duties.” If Canada had a Prime Minister that did not have a background in civics, they would not have a very good understanding of what is socially just and how to respect everyone’s rights as citizens. While countries all use different methods of government, the democratic style of government in Canada provides people with many important rights and freedoms. A leader of a country needs to respect the rights of everyone, regardless of things like race or religion.
ReplyDeleteA good example of a leader with no background in civics would be Donald Trump. He puts very little political logic behind his actions and words and discriminates against certain groups of people. A leader like him proves that a very important position (a leader of a country) should always have a background in civics, citizenship, and politics. Having such knowledge would benefit him and the citizens because then everyone would be treated equally.
By studying civics and citizenship, people will be more respectful and responsible in important government positions.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civics
https://www.thoughtco.com/role-of-the-prime-minister-of-canada-508517
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html
I agree on Tessa’s comment that civic understanding is essential when someone is running for jobs and careers related to politics and decision making. Respecting others and not trying to infringe others is a very important thing to do as a part of society. Civics is a study of political aspects of citizens, and especially their rights and duties. For example, the lawmakers make laws that impact our daily life. With a thorough understanding in civics, they should make laws and regulations that don’t infringe on our rights. I also agree on the fact that, studying civics and citizenship will further let us to live in a better place with more rights and freedoms guaranteed to us. Also, even if we participate in everyday life, we can fight against laws that we think infringes and limits our rights by knowing our rights. We can go to Supreme Court of Canada and change or dismiss the law.
DeleteCitation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civics
Mr.Forsyth’s class
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Canada
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCivic Careers
ReplyDelete------------------
I think that a background in civics, citizenship, and politics is an asset in every job and career. For many, if not most, it may not be necessary, but I can’t think of a job where such knowledge would be detrimental in any form. I think a background in this is helpful because I believe that jobs and careers will change more quickly in the future, as greater quantities of jobs become automated through technological improvements and artificial intelligence.
Understanding who you are, as well as what is happening globally and politically will help one to make better, more informed, decisions about what they want to do and which jobs will be viable in the future. For example, maybe someone believes that they want to become a teacher and help youth learn. However, they do not understand the current political climate and technological advancements that have been occurring within recent years, which is hinting to cuts to teachers’ pay and potential automation of select subjects. If this person continues on to university to become a teacher, by the time they complete the years of schooling required, they may be no jobs left, or a surplus of other people trying to become teachers when there are less positions available because of automation. If that person paid attention to the advancements before they came, they may have been able to predict what would happen and plan accordingly.
For this reason, I believe a good knowledge of politics and citizenship is good for any job, but if I had to pick a job/career where it would be most applicable, I think it would be government jobs. This is because their pay is directly affected by the decisions made by the government and understanding why the government did what it did, as well as how, could affect your pay, whether or not you strike, protest, etc..
Sources
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http://www.civicjobs.ca/100.asp
http://www.employmentcrossing.com/article/230270/Adapting-to-Career-Change-Steps-toward-Improvement/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001879114001456
Very good points! I can definitely see now how having a background in civics would be beneficial to everyone, especially with government related jobs.
DeleteCareers
ReplyDeleteCareer: an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's liftwork
I think that a background in civics, citizenship, and politics is a benefit in all careers. A background in these specifics aids with the skill of communication. Communication is a huge part in jobs worldwide. Why? Employers value employees who are good with customers and promote business.
Even tho a background in civics, politics, and citizenship is an asset in all jobs, i believe that to become a prime minister/ president/ member of parliament that a greater quantity in the three is required. To become a prime minister you have to be appointed by the governor general, if you don't have the right qualifications with civics, citizenship, and politics you won't even stand a chance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Canada
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/career
Yes, it does make sense that a background in civics would be beneficial to all careers. Could you expand on why communication relates to civics? Communication is a very important skill to have, but what exactly about civics improves the ability to communicate?
DeleteI also agree with you that a background in civics should always be required when running for a position such as a Prime Minister. Without the understanding of people's rights, freedoms, and citizenship, how could a leader properly represent a country? It is very important for someone in that role to have an understanding of civics.
I believe that communication relates to civics because of what you just asked! "Without the understanding of people's rights, freedoms, and citizenship, how could a leader properly represent a country?" In order to understand these things, a leader must communicate with the public, and their advisors, therefore making the skill of communication an asset to civics.
DeleteVery good point!
DeleteCareer:Lobbyist
ReplyDeleteI chose to research a Lobbyist. In Canada, a Lobbyist is an activist that attempts to convince members of the government, such as congress, to pass legislations and bills that would benefit the Lobbyist’s group. A Lobbyist may also research legislation or regulatory proposals, attend congressional hearings, and educate government officials and corporate officers on issues that they find important. It is their job to inform the government on issues, and make sure that the government fully understands both sides of an issue before making a decision. Lobbyists may be a third party organization that are hired by a company, or sometimes employee’s from a company, who represent the group's intentions and desires.
Lobbyist’s can come from any profession. Most are college graduates with advanced degrees. A Lobbyist has to have excellent communication skills, and must understand the legislation process. A Lobbyist typically also feels very passionate and is well informed on the particular group that they are trying to represent. There is no official training to become a Lobbyist, however, the State Government Affairs Council has a program that can help people to become more informed with the legislation process, and can help develop a person's skills. A Lobbyist must also be registered with the senate is they receive pay for their work. Lobbyist groups must also report weekly on their Lobbying activity.
Many people in Canada believe a Lobbyist to be corrupting and unethical, however, there are Lobbyist’s that fight for important causes, and, whether people like it or not, Lobbying is a legitimate and completely legal profession. This raises questions though, why should people making important decisions listen to Lobbyists in the first place, what makes the Lobbyist’s opinions any more powerful than those of the people. There is a lot of controversy around this job for that reason, should Lobbying be a profession? Should people even be paid for Lobbying? It really depends on who you ask, some Lobbyist organizations fight for important and just causes, while others fight to make money, or to help their business grow. Do you think Lobbying should be a paid profession?
Sources
https://www.tripsavvy.com/faqs-about-lobbying-1039165
http://canslerconsulting.com/news/lobbyist/
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lobbying/
Being a lobbyist would be an interesting career choice - on one hand, you need to represent those who 'pay' you; on the other, you should have your own opinions.
DeleteAs for whether or not it's just, I do believe lobbying for anything should be legal - just as long as there is restraint. If lobbyists cross the line into bribery, blackmail, etc, then the individual and the lobbyist group should be held accountable. Otherwise, our government could become corrupted beyond repair.
Yes, lobbying should never get out of hand. But when its peaceful and done successfully, I think that it is a very important position for people to have because it helps get their voices heard.
DeleteTerrorist attack in Great Britain
ReplyDeleteIn the last 3 months, three terrorist attacks have occurred in Great Britain. The first, dubbed the “2017 Westminster Attack”, took place in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster in London, seat of the British Parliament. The attacker, 52-year-old Briton Khalid Masood, drove a car into pedestrians on the pavement along the south side of Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street, injuring more than 50 people, four of them fatally. The second was a bombing in Manchester following a concert by American singer Ariana Grande. The attacker was Salman Ramadan Abedi, a 22-year-old British Muslim, who detonated a shrapnel-laden homemade bomb at the exit of the arena after the show. Twenty-three adults and children were killed, including Abedi, and 119 were injured, 23 critically.
The most recent attack, which occurred on June 3rd, took place around the London bridge. Three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge. Wielding knives, the men then left the van and went to the nearby Borough Market, where they attacked by stabbing people in and around restaurants and pubs. The attackers were believed to be Islamist terrorists. Seven people were killed and 48 wounded, including four unarmed police officers who attempted to tackle the assailants. The three attackers, who were wearing fake explosive vests, were shot dead by police. Ironically, the last attack happened right after the British government reduced the threat level from “critical” to “high”.
These three attacks represent the struggle law enforcement officials face in preventing terrorism from occurring. Here at home, Public Safety Canada said that despite the terrorist attacks in the UK, the threat levels in Canada would stay the same - moderate.
Canadian Public Safety minister stated: “There is no information available at this time to Canadian authorities that would cause that level to change … At the same time, it is always under review. Our authorities and agencies are always alert to every bit of information that needs to be taken into account to make sure that threat assessment is as accurate as it can possibly be."
Sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/goodale-security-terrorism-1.4146267
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Westminster_attack
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_2017_London_attack
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Manchester_Arena_bombing
The increasing amount of attacks is very concerning. So many people have lost their lives or received injuries from these attacks. They are almost impossible to predict at this time, too. It is unfortunate that an attack occurred right after the British Government reduced the threat level to "high." That could have created some false hope for citizens that the rates were finally going to decrease. Unfortunately, they're just going up. Hopefully these attacks will stop one day, or we can at least have a stronger ability to predict them so as many people as possible can be spared.
DeleteCareer in Civics: Mayor
ReplyDeletea career that requires a knowledge of civics and citizenship is mayor. A mayor's job is to take part in municipal government and any issues that occur with the city. The mayor is responsible for managing garbage pickup, public transportation, emergency services, up-keeping roads and sidewalks, etc. Any career in politics requires a certain background in civics and citizenship. This is because it is important that members of politics/ the government are completely aware of citizens needs and attempt to do what is best for them.
To become mayor it is different for every city. To become mayor in Canada, the basic requirements are to be a Canadian citizen, to be at least 18 years of age, to reside in the city that you are running for mayor for, to not be legally prohibited from voting, and to not be disqualified by any other legislation from holding municipal office. To become mayor the education you need varies. Most cities don't require much education and just require a high school diploma in order to run for mayor. However, some education background in business, economics, management, philosophy, politics, or public administration may come to the benefit of someone who is running.
Although there is not much education required to become mayor of a municipality, the job is still extremely important. To be mayor it is also important to have strong communication, organization, good leadership, and good problem solving skills. These skills are important to have as mayor because they are responsible for taking care of the citizens and maintaining a safe community.
Lastly, the average salary of a mayor in 2012 was $62,000. Thus making a Mayor a decent paying job. Overall, being mayor of a municipality is a huge responsibility and requires a strong passion for the safety and happiness of the citizens. Therefore, it is important to have a background in civics/politics.
http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/political-science-careers/how-to-become-a-mayor
http://collegemouse.com/jobs/how-to-become-a-mayor.html
I 100% agree with you that a mayor should have a background in civics. It's better for them to have a complete understanding of people in their city and country and their rights, so there is no possibility for infringement on anyone's rights.
DeleteLobbyists
ReplyDeleteA lobbyist is someone who expresses an opinion or belief to a public officer in an attempt to make a change in the current system. Although anyone who does this is considered to be a lobbyist, there are professional lobbyists who are paid to express ideas to higher-ups. Canada’s political system has involved lobbying as a key aspect since the very beginning.
The public portray lobbyists as bad people, trying to bend policies to their whims. I do not agree with that, as all people have to express themselves however they please as long as it’s not breaking any laws under Section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and should therefore be allowed to do what they want. In 1989, the Lobbying Act was instated. It was loose, and barely imposed any rules upon lobbyists. The Lobbying Act was revised 4 times in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s due to pressure to change it. The Lobbying Act was officially put into place in 2008. http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lobbying/
Lobbyists
ReplyDeleteA lobbyist is someone who expresses an opinion or belief to a public officer in an attempt to make a change in the current system. Although anyone who does this is considered to be a lobbyist, there are professional lobbyists who are paid to express ideas to higher-ups. Canada’s political system has involved lobbying as a key aspect since the very beginning.
The public portray lobbyists as bad people, trying to bend policies to their whims. I do not agree with that, as all people have to express themselves however they please as long as it’s not breaking any laws under Section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and should therefore be allowed to do what they want. In 1989, the Lobbying Act was instated. It was loose, and barely imposed any rules upon lobbyists. The Lobbying Act was revised 4 times in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s due to pressure to change it. The Lobbying Act was officially put into place in 2008. http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lobbying/
Interesting. I did not know the history of lobbying. Also, I agree that lobbying is a career that should require a background in civics.
DeletePollster
ReplyDeletePolitical pollsters are the people who measure the effectiveness of a campaign and what voters think about candidates and issues. Pollsters are all about data – gathering information in a variety of ways, evaluating responses, analyzing and organizing data, doing statistical analyses, and presenting the results in a comprehensive format.
Pollsters can work directly for a candidate or legislator or work on a consulting or freelance basis. If I wanted to have a career in politics, I would be a pollster. I love analytics and going through statistics of things. For example, I compare stats of NBA players a lot, like game highs for points score or shooting percentages.
Required Education
At least a bachelor's degree
Required Skills
Knowledge of Web-based operations, strong oral and written communication skills, and technical knowledge to design, supervise and interpret surveys
Certifications
Optional certification is available through professional organizations
Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)*
12% for survey researchers
Median Annual Salary (2015)*
$53,920 for survey researchers ( $70 000 CDN)
https://www.thebalance.com/great-jobs-in-politics-2059645
and
Deletehttp://study.com/articles/Pollster_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html
Yes, I agree with you that this career would be best with a background in civics. If you decided to pursue this career, do you believe your background in civics is strong enough? Or would you have to study it further?
DeleteA job where civics and politics are directly involved is a politicians assistant.
ReplyDeleteThis job requires you to deal with lobbyists directly, setup meetings, plan trips and much more.
For this job the max pay is about $70,000.
The perks depend how well you know the politician. If your politician wins the election it can be very rewarding.
What are the requirements for this position? Also, what kind of meetings do these assistants plan? And lastly, what are the rewards of your politician winning the election? How would it benefit the assistant?
DeleteAlso, very interesting career. I can see how it would be important for someone with this job to have a background in civics.
Delete