Last week, I was struck by an article entitled, “I know why you didn’t vote in the CSA elections — but why didn’t you run?”
Engagement is almost a universal challenge for student unions. Student life is a balancing act: academics, extracurriculars, work, grad school applications, social life, maintaining overall health! It’s a lot. And we understand that keeping up with and getting involved in the work of the student union is another ball to juggle. The CSA also struggles with visibility. Many students don’t know who we are or what we do. We do our best to do promotion and outreach, but we know we could do better.I’m not surprised that people ran unopposed in this year’s election, and I don’t believe this was just a case of apathy or taking employment opportunities for granted.
Being on the CSA Exec is not a 9-5 job; it’s the type of work you take home with you. If you think all you’ll have to do is “read a bunch of policy and fill out a bunch of paperwork,” you’re in for a rough ride. And in response to the comment made about salary: after taxes, you’re pretty much making minimum wage. My point is, this isn’t a job you should seek out if it’s to build your résumé or make money.You have to love the work, and genuinely care about the issues. Not just for your own health, but for the students who rely on you.
You should run for the CSA. Not because of the salary or the “fancy title,” but because it is fulfilling to pursue something you believe in. Because it will make a positive impact not just on your life, but on the lives of other students.
Becca Cheskes,
CSA VP Academic
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