2011-01-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

Message from PCYA's President, Riley Georgsen

The Progressive Conservative Youth Association of Alberta is made up of members of the Progressive Conservative party who are under 26. We have a clear mission, which is to get more young Albertans involved in PC Politics.

This organization is supported by a strong executive team:

John is the Executive Vice President (second in command), Robert keeps our books balanced as VP of Finance, Evan ensures our ‘friend’ count goes up as VP Membership, Shantel lets everyone know whats happening as our VP Communications, Heather helps us debate new ideas as VP of Policy, and Josh keeps me and the entire executive organized as secretary.

Our on-the-ground team lets us know what’s happening across the province.

Matthew is Regional Director for Northern Alberta, Kayla Rae represents Central Alberta, and Erika is working hard as Regional Director South. On top of all of this, we have many directors and affiliate campus clubs all working hard.

Together this team works with the PCAA to create a better Alberta.

Now I know that might sound cheesy, but I have to say it’s the truth. All of the young men and women who put in endless volunteer hours every year to help the PC party make it the best political organization for Albertans. As part of the party, we are all listening, discussing and engaging with others across the province.

Together, PCYA is tremendously engaged in many parts of the PCAA.

Often youth wings of political organizations are created as a sandbox, or a place for the little kids to go play. Well that is far from how the PC Party views and involves its youth organization. As young, politically engaged members of the party, we are actively involved with major decisions for the Party. We represent 6 votes on the PC Executive, sit on the provincial campaign team, are involved in almost every constituency across the province.

This year, we are hosting our own PC Youth summit to really get into what the U-26 want to see for Alberta. We are supported by MLA’s, ministers, and we get huge praise from the Premier, Ed Stelmach.

Our organization is growing towards 400 members and we are creating top quality leaders that I know we will all be hearing about for years to come.

We are engaged, we are young, and we are here for the PC Party

Why I'm involved in PCYA:

The PCAA has been my political home since high school. I grew up in the small town of Hanna Ab and was involved with my local constituency association. But It wasn’t until I moved to Calgary where I really got exposed to politics. Early on I got involved with the U of C campus club because that’s what alot of my friends were doing. I quickly found myself being submerged in the new and exciting world of politics and I found that more I put in the more that I got out. Those involved in the PC Party really rewarded hard work, common sense, and determination. I participated in by-elections and campaigns and learned what politics meant to Albertan’s. Simply put Albertan’s want assurance that healthcare will be provided and that individual rights will be upheld. I stay involved because the PC Party is always working on this for Albertan’s. Just this past weekend I listened to the Premier in an executive meeting talk about the struggles he is facing as the government tries to figure out a way to balance health care costs with an aging population. I could see the emotion on his face as he described the importance of not saddling future generations with debt. He is a real guy like you and me, and like so many others in the PC party we are all just average people. Some argue that the PC’s have become arrogant, but I see the truly conceited ones as the opposition which spends more time trying to acquire power when they should be working to better Alberta. I will continue to work hard for the PC party because I know the elected PC MLA’s are working hard for Albertans.

My involvement with PCYA has been rewarding beyond my expectations. I have learned professional skills that employers are looking for such as; communications, policy research, event management, and team building. But really the thing that keeps me coming back for more is the people. Over the years I have met so many interesting people and started many friendships that I know will last a lifetime, including my wife who I met in university at a campus club meeting. My friends brought me in and my friends keep me involved in one of the greatest political organizations in Canada. I am a proud PC and proud Albertan and I am excited for the next 30 years in Alberta.

How YOU can get involved in PCYA:

If you think that you want to meet new friends, grow as person and learn new skills than I would encourage you to join the PC Party and PCYA. There are many opportunities for you to get involved and as I said early the more you put in, the more you will get out. I encourage you to look into some of thes opprtunties.

1. Join your constituency association

Working with your local constituency board is one of the most important components of the PC Party. Constituency boards are the volunteers that inform our MLA’s of what Albertan’s are saying and during elections they are the ones to get our PC party members elected. Here are some areas that are currently looking to fill the position of VP Youth, but remember all boards are happy to have another youth member.

If you or someone you know wants to get involved in these areas let us know and we will get you in touch right away.

2. Join a Campus Club

Calgary and Edmonton both have strong campus clubs that host meetings and events all through the school year. Campus Clubs are great way to meet new people and get an intro to politics. It is where I first got involved. If your interested in joining I encourage you to check out their website and face book pages.

• University of Calgary Campus Conservative Club

http://www.uofcconservatives.com/

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2241640803

• University of Alberta Conservative Association http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2217969069

• If you are interested in starting a club at your school we would be happy to help!

3. Become a director of PCYA.

PCYA directors are a big part of our executive. They work directly with our VPs’ and regional directors. This is a great way to learn about PCYA and are a first step towards becoming an executive member. Our team is always growing and we would love for you to join us.

4. PCYA Mentorship program

The PCYA pre writ campaign mentorship program is just getting going and those already involved are enjoying learning how to properly prepare for a campaign. If you want to learn the in’s and out’s of campaigning than this is where you want to be. Contact me if you are interested or if you have not heard from your mentor.

5. Attend the 2011 PCYA Youth Summit

• The PCYA Executive has spent the last few months working hard to plan one incredible youth summit in Banff. Be sure to reserve May 13-14 if you’re interested in campaigning, communications, and political engagement. Official registration will open soon! Stay tuned for more details this will be a weekend you don't want to miss.

If you have any questions about getting involved please email riley.georgsen@gmail.com or call 403.701.6731

Thanks! Hope to see you soon.

2010-10-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Question of the day:

Why are you a P.C.?

Share with us why you choose to remain a P.C.

What do you love about the party?

What annoys you about other parties?

In sum, why is it good to be a P.C.?

Youth in Politics

2010-03-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

This Topic is About Getting Youth (Like You) More Engaged in the Political Proccess

1.What do you think governments should do to get youth more involved in politics?

2.In your opinion, why is the voter turnout rate so low among youth?

3.Do you have any suggestions about how the government could reach out to youth better?

4.Do you remember why you voted for the first time? If so, share your experience with us!

P.C. Roadmap

2010-02-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

Where would you like to see the P.C. Party headed?

Even friendlier environmental policies?

Even more competitive for oil and energy investors?

Even stronger provision of healthcare?

Even higher quality education?

Tell us.

Policy Conference

2010-02-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

At the upcoming Progressive Conservative Policy Conference, youth and others will be invited to contribute to these topics.

What do you have to say? Post here to be part of the dialogue!

1. What are your thoughts on governments introduction of Bill one?

To view Bill One, click here

2. Do you think that this competitiveness review will be comprehensive enough to address concerns in Agriculture, Energy, Environment, and Education? What are your biggest concerns in these areas?

3.Is our Healthcare system working for you? What are ways you envision it becoming a more sustainable system?

A Greener Alberta

2010-02-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

What is your greatest concern about Alberta's environment?

What kind of policies do you see being both good for the economy, and good for the environment?

Click here to be directed to Alberta's Ministry of the Environment Website.

Who is your favorite MLA and why?

2010-02-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Share your thoughts! What makes for a good MLA, and why? There are over 80 candidates to choose from, and we want to know your fave.

Who inspires you?

Who fights for your interests?

Who do you relate to?

Not sure who your MLA is?

Click here to find your constituency using your postal code

Click here to see a photo directory of Alberta's MLAs

What do you think it means to be a progressive conservative?

2010-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00