Advocacy Policy

Advocacy Request Process:

Members may approach the Association with requests to make a statement on or advocate for a particular issue. Requests should be sent to the Executive Director who will first consult the President and Communication Officer. If the particular issue is within the Advocacy Policy below, the full Executive Committee will be involved in determining the next steps.

These may include one or more of the following;

1. An Official Statement issued by the CSA-SCS
Posted on the website, sent to members and communication list, distributed through social media channels

2. Informally sharing information on the issue
Distributed through social media channels

3. Writing government officials with a call for action

4. Endorsing a call for action (eg signing a petition)

CSA Advocacy Policy

The Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) is a professional association that promotes research, publication and teaching in Sociology. Our membership is diverse and united by our commitment to sociological thought and practice.

The Canadian Sociological Association upholds the right to academic freedom for sociologists in Canada and abroad. We support our members' right to advocate about a national, social, or political topic. However, given the diverse political views of our membership, the ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect the position of the Canadian Sociological Association.

The Canadian Sociological Association may occasionally adopt an advocacy role on issues that directly impact the working conditions of Sociologists in Canada in relation to their teaching, research and other scholarly activities. Such advocacy and/or official statements must be approved by the Executive Committee of the Canadian Sociological Association.

In the event where the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) Executive Committee deems it necessary to write a statement regarding a specific tragedy or crisis, the Executive Committee must consult or collaborate with CSA members of affected/impacted groups/communities to write an appropriate statement. There must also be an understanding that, where possible and appropriate, the process should be led by a CSA member or members of these groups/communities, in coordination with the President and/or executive.