On October 15 & 16, 2013, Edmonton’s NextGen, the City of Edmonton’s Youth Council, The Students’ Association of MacEwan University, and the U of A’s Student Union invite you to attend the 4th Annual CANDI(DATE), a speed-dating style event focused around engaging young voters. Candi(DATE) has been well-attended in the past and represents an opportunity to connect with young voters, hear their ideas and visions, and share yours.

Our city is growing at a rapid pace, both in population and infrastructure development. Increased access to public transportation, revitalizing the downtown core and community growth are issues attracting major attention in the media and on the street. CANDI(DATE) provides a space for you to reach out directly to Edmonton’s young voter population and share your thoughts and perspectives.

Each 15 minute session will allow you to sit down with small groups and speak candidly about your platform and vision for the future of Edmonton. This face-time with candidates allows young voters the opportunity to ask questions on issues that impact their decision to make Edmonton the city they choose to live, work, learn and play in for future years.

Candi(date) North:

• When: Tuesday, October 15th 5 PM – 7 PM
• Where: Heart of the Robbins (Main Floor, Robbins Building) Grant MacEwan University (10910- 104 Ave.)
• Who will be there: Candidates from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 and Edmonton Mayoral Candidate
• To RSVP http://candi-date.eventbrite.com/

Candi(date) South:

• When: Wednesday, October 16, 2013
• Where: SUBStage, Students Union Building, University of Alberta (8900-114 St.)
• Who will be there: Candidates from Wards 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Edmonton Mayoral Candidates
• To RSVP https://candi-date2.eventbrite.com/

Common water cooler discussion during an election is around how to get young people more involved and engaged in the democratic process. Even in a non-election year, Edmonton’s NextGen continued its efforts on this front through Up{Date} 2011 held October 5th at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Now, be honest. When you think government, speed dating generally isn’t the next thing to pop in your mind. NextGen though is aiming to change that as it uses a speed dating format as the basis for these discussions. At Up{Date} Councillors Krushell, Iveson, Sohi, Batty andHendersonalong with Mayor Stephen Mandel and Fire Chief Ken Block were each stationed at their own table with attendees coming to them. Every 20 minutes, attendees rotated to a different table to hear new views, answers and insight. This small group, interactive format is designed to allow for increased discussion and direct connection to each civic leader.

Up{Date} follows on the footsteps of Candi{Date} which were two similar events held during the 2010 civic election campaign. Those too mimicked the speed dating format but had numerous candidates out seeking to connect with voters. Feedback on those from both candidates and participants indicated the format was unique and allowed for better discussion. This inspired NextGen to run Up{Date} and continue the conversations even in non-election years.

There was a good turnout of ‘daters’ at Up{Date} and the hope is that more Edmontonians will take advantage of future opportunities to connect so closely with the representatives that shape their city. That way their views can be heard and they too can have a more prominent role in making this a better Edmonton.

Doug McLean

Edmonton’s NextGen Volunteer

Time flies! In a city with so much happening and so much promise it’s easy to lose track of time to take stock of what’s going on. As it’s been nearly a year since Edmonton NextGen’s successful Candi{date} election gatherings it’s now time for an update.

Up{date} 2011 brings together city councillors and key civic leaders in a speed dating style format for you to directly ask how their visions for Edmonton’s future are coming to life a year since the election. It’s your chance to:

• Ask questions
• Offer opinions
• Learn about Edmonton’s growth
• Spark debate

First introduced in the 2010 municipal election, Candi{date} is a made-in-Edmonton NextGen event that connects Next Gen voters to election candidates. Candi{date} is a casual, informal and fun way for voters to meet candidates, find out who they are and what they stand for, and to ask the questions that matter to them.

So get thinking, organize your thoughts and come out for an Up{date}!

• Where – Art Gallery of Alberta
• When – Wednesday, October 5^th, 7pm-9pm
• Who – City Councillors, Civic Leaders

Check out pictures from previous Candi{date} events in our gallery

Ever dream about…

Starting a gallery?

Launching a magazine?

Turning your sketches into a fashion line?

Landing your own TV show?

Getting your favorite musicians to play your festival?

Let’s talk.

Edmonton’s NextGen presents DIYalogue, a cultural mix-and-mingle in the style of NextGen’s popular Candi{date} series, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at The ARTery, 9535 Jasper Avenue.

Looking for a collaborative space to share ideas and gain advice on launching them into action? DIYalogue connects Edmonton’s established cultural entrepreneurs with emerging young creatives in 20 minute one-on-one mentorship mini-dates. DIYalogue explores the potential for individual success in the creative industries through unique partnerships and community support.

Participating speed mentors include:

• The Royal Bison

• The ARTery

• Solidaritees

• dEdmonton

• The Edmontonian

• Parlour Magazine

• City and Dale

• Fridget Apparel

• SOS Fest

To register for DIYalogue, click on the image to visit our Eventbrite page.