STUDENTS IN DEMOCRACY EDUCATION
(S I D E )
A new initiative that engages young people around the country and supports them in forming their own Section 1 democracy groups and in leading their own conversations focused on learning together – and teaching their friends and neighbours – what Heroic Citizenship really means and how they can actualize it in their own lives and communities.
“My biggest takeaway wasn’t just learning what functioning liberal democracies require, but in realizing that education about democracy can bridge divides. When a set of videos can reach into our hearts and tap into the values we care about the most, anyone (even people such as me and my parents) can come together and leave with mutual understanding.” (SIDE graduate)
“We found the videos highly applicable to the real world and effective in clarifying the bedrocks of democracy. Even my dad (whose English isn’t the best) could easily comprehend the gist of every video because the principles were so intuitive yet nuanced. I also took note of the fact that we had an especially long conversation after watching the Truth Principle video, as we felt this was especially important to keep in mind given the rising antagonization of ‘the other side’.” (SIDE graduate)
“My parents and I hold starkly different political viewpoints and positions on contemporary issues—from affirmative action to taxation to healthcare—and it’s rare that we ever find common ground in debates. However, what I loved most about this activity was how SIDE presented us with principles that we fundamentally agreed upon, then gave us the room to diverge into our personal interpretations and knowledge bases when discussing. It’s often frustrating to argue with my parents about politics, but our discussions about the SIDE videos didn’t feel like arguing; instead, I would find their points insightful and truthful, as we could agree on our critiques of illiberal democracies, the CCP and even figures in Canadian politics.” (SIDE graduate)
What is it
S I D E
S I D E aims to generate structured, self-directed, democracy discussion and civic engagement amongst young people in schools, and communities across the country. Heroic Citizenship is EVERYONE’s promise and duty and can be every citizen’s destiny!
10 FUNDAMENTALS. 10 CONVERSATIONS. 1 PLEDGE
S I D E
along with Bootcamp for Heroic Citizenship, is part of the strategy to get us there!
WATCH THE VIDEOS HERE
S.I.D.E. Introduction
The Indispensable Heroic Citizen Principle
The Equality Principle
The Fair Distribution Principle
The Pluralism Principle
The Apostasy Principle
The Truth Principle
The Rule of Law Principle
The Self-Determination Principle
The Counter-Majoritarianism Principle
