Politics Without the Podium: Real Conversations with Local Leaders

WUSA’s Politics Without the Podium brought together over 35 undergraduate students for an evening of open, honest conversation with local leaders! No stage, no speeches – just real dialogue. 

The event featured Dorothy McCabe, Mayor of Waterloo, and Colleen James, Regional Councillor for the Region of Waterloo. Together, they offered insight into how decisions at the municipal and regional levels directly impact students.  

Our Politics without the Podium events make politics more accessible to students, with discussions centering around how different levels of government impact the issues that students care about most. The evening kicked off with brief opening remarks, followed by a moderated Q&A focused on student experiences. From there, the conversation continued more informally as students connected directly with the speakers during a mingling session. 

Students came ready with thoughtful questions, and the discussion covered issues that matter most on campus and beyond. Housing and affordability were top of mind, with many students sharing concerns about finding and maintaining affordable living in Waterloo. Transit and regional infrastructure also came up, highlighting how closely students’ daily routines are tied to local systems. 

Conversations around community safety and well-being added another important layer, while both speakers emphasized how municipal and regional decisions shape student life in ways that aren’t always obvious. 

One of the biggest takeaways from the night was the importance of student voices in local decision-making. Events like this remind us that students aren’t just passing through; they’re an active part of the community. 

The energy in the room reflected that. Students stayed engaged throughout the Q&A, asked meaningful questions, and continued conversations well into the mingling portion of the evening. The casual setting, helped by free bar food, made it easy for everyone to feel comfortable jumping in and sharing their perspectives. 

Politics Without the Podium is a great example of how WUSA is working to connect students with the people making decisions in their community. By creating space for these conversations, WUSA is helping make local politics more approachable, relevant, and student-centered.

Maliha Karim 

Communications Assistant