FAQ

01. What is Apathy is Boring?

We are a youth run, Montreal based non profit organization focused on helping main stream Canadian young people get engaged in democracy. Our mission is to use art and technology to educate youth about democracy.

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02. What does Apathy is Boring do?

We use art and technology to educate youth about democracy. What does that mean in real terms? Everything from putting on concerts and workshops to providing information through our website. In fact, this website is the best way to learn about Apathy is Boring: it's where you can find our online community, resources for making your organization Youth Friendly, or upcoming events. We also run election campaigns and provide volunteer opportunities to engage young voters in the democratic process.

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03. Who started Apathy is Boring?

We were founded in January 2004 by a dance choreographer, a filmmaker, and a photographer. Since then many creative minded people have been part of the team. You can read the full story here.

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04. When was Apathy Is Boring founded?

Apathy is Boring was founded in January 2004. You can read our entire history here.
 

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05. Where does Apathy Is Boring get its funding?

Apathy Is Boring is funded by workshop fees, government subsidies, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Check out the full list of sponsors and visit our Donate page.
 

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06. Who is Apathy Is Boring's target demographic?

Our target demographic is 18 – 35 year-old Canadian youth. Apathy is Boring specifically targets unengaged Canadian youth that are not knowledgeable about the democratic process or involved in community groups, or vote. This is hard to do, so that is why we use art & the web to get our message out.

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07. How do I create an account at apathyisboring.com?

You can create an account here by choosing a user name and password, entering your email address and postal code.

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08. What can I do as a registered user of apathyisboring.com?

Registered users can enter contests, create calls to action & petitions, and post their events to the calendar, to name a few things. Read more about How To Use Apathyisboring.com. (Oh, and you can register here!)
 

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09. How do I subscribe to Apathy is Boring's Timely Updates?

You can subscribe to our Timely Updates by registering as a user here (and benefit from other features too!). Make sure "Yes, sign me up!" is checked at the bottom of the form.

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10. What will I receive when I subscribe to the Timely Updates?

Apathy is Boring sends out timely updates so you can get the latest on contests, events, musician & celebs interviews, music downloads and most importantly everything you need to know about democracy!

They will be emails that you will love and wait for with baited breath. We also refuse to share your contact information with anyone outside Apathy is Boring.

You can sign up to register here.
 

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11. How can I get involved?

1. Volunteer.
Do your part for the world and become a A is B volunteer.

2. Throw a Party.
Use those stellar social skills and throw an Apathy is Boring party. To get started, download the Party Kit.

3. Put your money where your mouth is.
Support A is B's mission and make a donation.

4. Link to us.
Include an Apathy is Boring banner or button on your website!
 

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12. What events are coming up soon?

You can browse our calendar here to see events happening across the country. Look for the A is B symbol for Apathy is Boring run events.
 

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13. How do you know that A is B is effective?

We collect data through surveys via our website, events, workshops and contests, work with an external evaluator, and stay abreast of current statistics and analysis of youth voting trends.

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14. How many people does A is B reach?

We have 4000 people subscribed to our Timely Updates and over 7000 website users. We have reached 13 000 youth through our concerts and events, 2 000 through our Youth Friendly Program.

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15. How does Apathy is Boring work with artists?

Artists we work with have done all sorts of things to help us engage youth, from interviews about their views on art and democracy, promoting our message at their concerts or performing at shows we set up, to collaborating on public service announcements, donating prizes for our contests, etc.
 

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16. I am a teacher. What info does Apathy is Boring provide for students who are not of voting age?

You can find plenty of facts about the democratic process on the Apathy is Boring website, like a list of all of Canada's political parties and their platforms or a glossary of key terms. One worthwhile classroom activity is to have your students contact their MP by writing a letter or email.

All that being said, our target demographic is young voters aged 18-35. If you are developing a program for youth under the age of 18, we recommend getting in touch with Student Vote.
 

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17. If Apathy Is Boring is based in Montreal, how do we work at a national level?

Apathy is Boring works with volunteer led street teams who help us spread our materials at events across the country. We offer information kits with How-To's and information about voting and getting involved with students and teachers, and often give workshops and host various concert series in different Canadian cities.
 

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18. How do I apply for a job at Apathy is Boring?

When a job or intern position becomes available we post it on the Apathy is Boring website here. Check the News page to see what we have listed. We will always include instructions on how to apply for the position in the job posting. We also accept resumes anytime and we keep them on file until an appropriate position becomes available. Send your resume to info@apathyisboring.com. And if you really can't wait to work with us then come out and volunteer! Check out our Volunteer page to see how.

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19. What does it mean when you say you are non-partisan?

It means that Apathy is Boring does not represent one particular political party, viewpoint or candidate. You may find some information on the site that is biased and call us liars, but really we just believe in open dialogue and provide a place for users to share their own opinions. We will, however, not tolerate opinions that support violence, hatred or promote discrimination.

 

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20. What does it mean when you say you are youth run?

The majority of Apathy is Boring’s staff, interns, Board of Directors, and other decision makers are under 30. Of course we don’t exclude people over thirty from applying to positions, but generally Apathy is Boring is made up of people within the demographic we are trying to reach. Check out our staff page to find out about all the rad people who keep Apathy is Boring running.
 

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21. What does apathy mean?

Apathy is a state of indifference and a lack of passion, emotion or excitement. An apathetic individual is one who has no interest or concern for emotional, social or physical life. And we think that is really boring! Think you might be apathetic? Check out the Take Action section to see all the ways you can fight apathy.
 

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22. Why don't young Canadians vote?

It's complicated. First, allow us to bore you with some numbers: a Dominion Institute survey conducted shortly before the 2008 federal election found that 78% of Canadian youth believe that their vote matters. That same survey found that 43% of youth sometimes find politics and government too complicated to understand. And, based on responses to a post-election survey by the Strategic Counsel, youth who live with their parents are 17% more likely to vote.

So what does all that mean? It means that most youth actually do want to vote, but aren't getting the information or encouragement they need. Check out our Youth Friendly section if you want to help!

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23. I keep hearing about "Web 2.0" and how Facebook is a great way to reach youth...Should I use it?

The numbers certainly are impressive: there are more than 8 million Canadians between the ages of 18 and 35, and more than 7 million of them have active Facebook accounts. But there's a big difference between having Facebook and knowing how to use it. Our Youth Friendly resources include information on engaging youth with digital technology.
 

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