I can respond.
You've nailed the challenge. One specific thing that we do is not trying to host events and invite people to them. We try to figure out ways to join tables that already exist. This is why we're partnering with community organizations. It's why we're doing programs like cook and learn, rec leagues and programs in other places where people are coming together already. That's one.
One very specific thing, when you look at Elections Canada and other election management bodies, is that they're increasingly hiring staff called community relations officers ahead of an election. Their job is to reach out to trusted community organizations and make sure that they have accurate information about where, when and ways to vote. It's not to encourage people, but to give people information by going where they already have programming going on.
You're exactly right. We have the same experience. When we invite people to come out and talk about democracy, we get our friends and allies. We love them, but they're not the new people building new communities.
I would encourage you to try the same thing. I'm sure you do. Join people where they are. Sit down with those people who are at the table and listen to what they have to say about the issues at the top of their minds. This will be a groundbreaking experience.
We start by asking people the question, “What matters to you?” Many times, people say, “No one's ever asked me that.”