Help Wanted - To Elect Mark Leiren-Young
And, yes, a great all new episode of Skaana on the right ways to save right whales
This Saturday voters across BC go to the polls to elect new mayors, municipal councillors and… hopefully… Skaana host Mark Leiren-Young. That’s me.
If you’re wondering what this has to do with whales — it was the fight for the southern resident orcas that made the other members of the media decide I’d “crossed the line” from “journalist” to “activist.”
Apparently, the moment my answer to the question - “how do we save the southern resident orcas” included… “it’d sure help if Canada’s department of Fisheries and Oceans actually tried enforcing any of the laws they keep inventing…” I started seeing articles calling me an “orca advocate” and an “activist.”
My work has always been political, but apparently I’d become Political.
And now I’ve embraced it. Yesterday, I went to the advanced polls and had the surreal experience of seeing my name on a ballot for Saanich Council and the Capital Regional and was able to cast a vote for me…
The whole experience is humbling and, often, hilarious.
My comedy duo, Local Anxiety, has a song that declares, “worry globally, panic locally.” So that’s what I’m doing.
I’m shifting my focus to trying to have an impact on policies that will help preserve natural treasures, mitigate our climate impact and help people find affordable housing. Here’s the full scoop on the campaign.
So how can you help?
If you live in BC and are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant… um… money would be nice. There’s still time to do a bit more promotion if more money comes in. https://www.mlysaanich.com/donations
If you live anywhere near Saanich (or feel like visiting over the next few days) and are game to join us for waving signs - or whales - or knocking on doors or even have time to drop off fliers or tell some friends I’m a good idea that’d be awesome.
And if you can spare a few minutes a day please spread some love on social media - even if that’s just clicking likes and sharing the campaign posts
Here’s the recent stuff that can use some social media love:
YouTube::
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeERH_yKAPEUM4gjQMOrVUQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeirenYoung/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/leirenyoung
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/leirenyoung/
The campaign does seems to be going realllllly well. The responses I’m getting at all-candidates meetings, on doorsteps, at events and from other candidates has been fantastic. Heck, I’m writing this in a restaurant and just had people visit to tell me they’ve voted for me!
I’m also kind of pleased with the people who are taking swings at me. I’m proud to have earned them :)
Thanks again for any donations/help/time you can offer.
And… wow… I guess for the first time ever I have to stop quoting Capone about “Vote Early, Vote Often.” Having to tone down the inner smartass… the biggest challenge of the gig.
So… once elected I promise to being funnier again :)
Mahalo,
Mark
The Canadian Orca Rescue Society has come out with their inflatable orcas - life-sized replicas of real southern residents! - to show their support. This is the first time they’ve ever broken out their whales for a municipal campaign. They declared, “If there is anybody on this coast that has done more to tell the stories of the Orcas, I don’t know who it is. Mark Leiren Young has written books, made films and museum exhibitions about the southern resident orcas. I know he is acting in the best interest of them and for that reason, he’s acting in your best Interests.”
And speaking of whales - I know, that’s why most of you are here…
SKAANA IS BACK!
Our latest episode took a while to prep & post, but we will be on top of all things Skaana shortly. We have a new audio engineer - Bug Lewis - and a raft of great interviews lined up.
For now… Please check out director, Nadine Pequeneza sharing her adventures making her fantastic documentary - The Last of the Right Whales. https://www.skaana.org/right-whales/