Why join an ARPA Club?

One mom shares how signing up has helped her high schoolers stand up for others High school is busy. Course work, extracurriculars, sports, catechism classes, homework, part-time jobs, and decisions about the future make for a full schedule. Amid all this busyness and these big decisions, it would be easy enough for a student to spend too much time looking in at themselves, and not enough time looking out at those around them. But, as we know, God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves and be a light in this dark world. So, are we encouraging high schoolers to set aside time for something that isn’t about them – their job, their sports team, their education, their future – and instead engage in something that is about others? Engaging in the political sphere to defend the lives, health and wellbeing of others is a great way high schoolers can look outside of themselves and instead love others and be a light to those around them. That’s where ARPA clubs come in. ARPA clubs are groups of students dedicated to engaging with political issues from a Christian perspective and bringing a Biblical witness to their leaders and communities around them. They do activities as a club and try to get their entire school community more politically engaged. Students in an ARPA club are encouraged to sign up for ARPA Leaderboards, an online platform where they can post photos of their political action, and gain points in a friendly competition against other clubs across the country. Here’s what one parent – Meagan Vandermaarel – had to say about her experience as a parent of children in an ARPA club. Naomi: How has being part of an ARPA club benefited your children? Meagan: “In so many ways. This past year three of my children joined the TEACH Home Educators of Brant ARPA school club. “Attending the ARPA Youth Conference is a non-negotiable part of my children’s education plan and provides some great, hands-on civics education. My children come back inspired to make a difference in the community around them, more informed about what is going on locally, as well as form new friendships which continue to grow year by year. “The ARPA Leaderboards competition has provided a great platform for my children to stay informed about what bills and petitions are current, to get in touch with their local MPs in an easy-to-navigate format and stay motivated through friendly rivalry both individually and through their school groups with the weekly Leaderboards rankings.” Sign up for this year’s ARPA Youth Conference at ARPACanada.ca/event/Youth25. LORD willing, these conferences will be held in Hamilton ON, Winnipeg MB, Coaldale AB and Smithers BC this October. Naomi: Why join an ARPA club? Meagan: “It is so important for our youth to not only be aware of what is going on in the world around them, but to be given the tools and information needed so that they in turn can make a difference, even if it’s just in a small way. “Not part of a school club? Not a problem. Just get together with your homeschool group or some friends and form a new club! You just need one parent or teacher volunteer and a few motivated teens to send out emails and plan events. Some of the action items are things like: crochet a baby hat, write a postcard to an MP, host a flag display, write a letter to the editor, visit an old age home, host an ARPA merch day, send an EasyMail letter to your local representative, and lots more!” Naomi: What are the benefits? Meagan: “You will quickly find that your teenagers become well informed and politically minded about current issues. They will not only know the name of their MP but become known to their MP sometimes on a first name basis! They become motivated to make a difference and have others join them in doing so. Some may frown, but the friendly rivalry both individually and between school groups in the ARPA Leaderboards competition can foster some great motivation to get involved and make a difference. School club winners receive a trophy, t-shirts and a pizza party and individual winners are given Amazon gift cards. “Being part of an ARPA club is a great way also to instill a love for one’s country and it gives the students an opportunity in the stage that they are in right now, to not only serve their immediate community but also to make a difference in the nation at large.” Naomi: Any encouraging stories to share? Meagan: “For sure. Two of our children had the privilege of having their ‘Letter to the Editor’ published this past year in newspapers across Canada, raising awareness on elder care and MAiD for the mentally ill. “The Burlington Flag Display was a day to remember as well – heading out before the sun came up to cover the grass with 10,000 pink flags to raise awareness about female selective abortion. “Monday singsongs at the local nursing home were another great memory. The smiles on the elderly residents' faces and the joy a friendly smile and song brought to them was worth every minute. “There were also some encouraging face-to-face conversations while delivering flyers. For my daughter Mia, getting to sit in an MP’s chair at Parliament and attending the God and Government Conference in Ottawa was an experience she will never forget. Winning first place on the ARPA Leaderboards was a definite highlight to end the year off with; I mean who wouldn’t want a pizza party with Ryan and Naomi?” **** Other parents also shared their thoughts with me, saying that their children in an ARPA club: “…had their eyes opened to ways that they could have an impact or a say in how things progress here in Canada. Although it may seem like we are not making any change by putting up lawn signs, delivering flyers, donating to the local pregnancy care center, or visiting seniors in old age homes we are making others more aware of the issues (gender reassignment, euthanasia, abortion), and giving them information that they may never have thought about which in turn may make them discuss the issues with others and have a ripple effect; it was also an avenue by which we could show that we care about our neighbors and love them. Even though it was intimidating at first to meet with our MLA and MP, the students were also encouraged to know that they could share their thoughts with the actual people that are involved in lawmaking and that the MLA/MP was interested in what they had to say.” Another parent shared: “From our perspective, it makes the students more comfortable with not being ashamed to speak out on areas of concern. It also grows their leadership skills in the community and makes them feel that they are active citizens and shining the light of Christ in this dark world.” Whether it's holding a sign, handing out flyers, or speaking to a politician – it all matters. So, to all parents, consider encouraging your high schooler(s) to use their time in school well – not just for their own benefit, but rather to love others well and engage as a Christian light in the political realm. ARPA clubs across Canada kick start action on September 2, 2025. Contact [email protected] if you would like to join or start an ARPA club near you and visit Profiles.ARPACanada.ca/login to join the ARPA Leaderboards competition. Meagan Vandermaarel is the parent volunteer for the TEACH Home Educators of Brant ARPA School Club. She lives in Brantford, Ontario and is married to Brad Vandermaarel. They currently homeschool their five children, three of which are current ARPA club members. Naomi Meerstra is the Grassroots Coordinator for Ontario and Eastern Canada with ARPA Canada....