Here I go. I have to start off by saying I'm new to the online world, but I'm pretty sure I like it - a lot. It's fantastic to see the conversations floating around in cyber space in regards to London and why twenty - somethings should or shouldn't stay. For those of you who know me, know this conversation has been pouring out of my soul for the last few months. I can't begin to tell you how many times a day I have to defend why I'm still even here. Now, this isn't always a bad thing, but I find it hard to fathom sometimes the negative outlook "young" people have on this city. With that being said, it's not just the twenty - somethings that have issue with The Forest City. I have the opportunity to interact with a range of people from all different sectors and demographics through my multiple jobs in the community and the general consensus is - this city needs some serious change. But here's the thing - you get the government you deserve. I hate to be the one to point this out, but unless all of us start to take just a tiny interest in our municipal affairs, we stand still. I'm not asking everyone to start sitting in on Monday night council meetings, I'm just suggesting that we take the time to vote. This is something that's within our control. This is an election year my friends and all it takes is a piece of ID and mail with your address on it. Interesting architecture, funding for the arts, revitalization to the downtown core and creating a sense of CONTINUITY and COMMUNITY are all tools we need to have a strong city.

We create doctors, teachers, lawyers, trades people, artists AND send students through a ton of post graduate programs. Why aren't theses educated people staying and investing here? Because we show off the students who line up Richmond street on any given Friday or Saturday night, who can barely walk, wearing as little clothing as possible with more police on site than seems necessary. Remember, this is for a lot of kids the first place they go after leaving Mom and Dad's house. If you show them this behaviour, they will act like this. Show me where the creative and critical thinkers can share ideas and energy. Most people I know in their twenties and beyond who are looking to avoid this scene do a very good job at it; and stay home. There is nothing wrong with a good house party, but as a city these are the people you want investing in your arts and culture more than anyone. These are the ones who will stay here - The Creative Class. 

Investing in a community is far easier said than done. And I'm also not implying this place is all bad. I'm still here after two years of graduating. There are some really amazing people doing some incredible things here. We have to showcase them. Let's not forget London is a test market. In retail alone we've got more disposable income than many other cities and for what it's worth, people spend money (perhaps not in the best mediums, but still adding to the overall economy). It's been proven that creative people tend to go where other creative people are. It make sense grads from the contemporary media programs at Fanshawe head to Vancouver or Toronto. Or why trade professionals pack up and move out. We almost have an advantage here because this city is begging for some new investors. Let's also not push the existing gems aside, embrace the tremendously talented programs and ideas that have made an impact here. I'll mention the word again - continuity is the one thing that seems to be a lacking, especially in the offline world. The online population is doing a great job, but let's fuse the two together.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend The Agenda Camp on Monday, but that is exactly the conversation that needs to continually happen. Once an objective is collected it's about putting things into action. With the advancements to social communication and media we can spread the word quickly and have an influence. 

So I have to ask the question - what twenty something wants to live in a city with a conservative government? I don't know many.