DO YOU THINK CHANGE CAN BE AFFECTED TO MCFD? / Part 266 / For Love and For Justice / Zabeth and Paul Bayne/

MCFD asserts that it is in the midst of a transformation program. Change is being enacted so the announcements claim. Yet here we are still telling these stories of families embattled by local MCFD caseworkers and their supervisors. I suppose it is right to say that if true transformation is to occur, the orchestrators must first know what needs changing. Someone is not getting it. Or, the change makers are pleased with the theory of transformation and how it appears in digital and printed documents but the continued flesh and blood interaction by MCFD workers with clients is not being affected by the lofty goals from Victoria.

I do believe that great change is coming to this MCFD organization in the future. It has more to do with you and me and the thousands who will yet become vocal and visible as we advocate for what we know to be right and good. So much of this expected organizational and social transformation will occur because of the technological innovations that have made easier and faster the accessing of information, sharing stories and ideas and connecting with people than at any time before.

We are able to share opinions, organize campaigns, sign petitions, and start discussions with people all over this province, across the country and around the world. Children, youth and family welfare change activists are able to mobilize more people and coordinate action with a simple internet connection and an e-mail list. This is a connected world and in it there is an ever evolving role for social change organizations and perhaps this dialogue forum is one of those.

There is little to be gained in remaining in a silo, thinking that this one avenue is the only or the best. That is why you read me embracing other writer's initiatives and blogs and website and petitions. Linking arms is essential. As we position ourselves within broader networks of people all in pursuit of a common goal, we will be able to leverage our combined strength of voice in new and effective ways. This is how we build and become a movement.

Perhaps as we become engaged in what we are reading and writing with regard to the issues that swirl around the improvement of the Ministry of Children and Family Development we can inspire one another to take action. Of what that action consists I cannot yet say but perhaps passionate people will step forward to become real change agents. Most of all we need people of influence with leverage and expertise and credential and respect to give impetus to these efforts to change a social agency and the legalities surrounding its work and decisions.