This is an open letter to the students of St. Thomas University in regards to the STUSU looking at changing its membership status with CASA to associate membership. As a former VP education, I believe a vote to downgrade to associate membership is an immense backwards. STUSU has always punched well above its weight on the provincial and national stages, and it is through organization such as CASA that this is the case.
Mr. Mazerolle lays out a wide range of arguments for downgrading to associate member status. I would like to take the time to counter some of these points. First, Mr. Mazerolle begins fear mongering about what should happen if the STUSU broke the terms of their membership in CASA. Every organization has membership rules that are to be followed, why Mr. Mazerolle decides to write about what would happen if the rules are not followed not baffles me.
Second, Mr. Mazeolle tries s to downplay the importance of the vote by saying it can be reversed simply. Each step in the process to leave CASA must be critically examined as it is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
Third, the point is made that STUSU is primarily sole source funded and should look for the best return possible on investment. That is exactly what CASA does; it gives STU students the best return on their investment. The money that goes into CASA pays for policy, advocacy, and communications. For a small investment, STU gains 4 full time employees to that work full time on a post-secondary education advocacy issues that STU helps to set.
Generally the issues facing students are the same from coast to coast (with the exception of Quebec). There are many national issues that face students, such as sticker shock (initial cost), taxes on textbooks and the structure of the student loans system. Agreement needs to be found amongst CASA members so they can fight on behalf of all students t. Mr. Mazerolle takes issue with political will being used to decide which policy ideas should be advanced each year.
It is my view that this is prudent planning and the most pragmatic use time and energy. You can lobby for lower tuition until you are blue in the face but it won’t happen overnight. By being attune to the current political climate, CASA has always been able to move the discussion forward. The goal of social policy lobbying is incremental change with a constant eye to the final goal. To think change comes quickly and easily is diluted pipe dream.
I encourage all STU students to vote to maintain full membership in CASA. Allow STUSU to remain fully involved and make the necessary changes internally rather than being on the outside hoping other will make the changes for you. Decisions are made by those that show up, STUSU has always been a very powerful voice around the CASA table and hopefully a vote to maintain membership will ensure this is the case for many years to come.
Matt Garnett BA ‘07
VP Education 2005-06
