Thread by @JeffRybak

By now, hopefully every Ontario Liberal knows about the leadership convention March 6-7 in Mississauga. But I know for many it's a stretch to actually attend as a delegate. I'd like to help with that. Because we need you there. Yes, I really mean you. #olpldr #onpoli 1/13

The first convention I attended was for the federal party, in January of 2012. The party had been almost wiped out in the 2011 election. People were saying the Liberal brand was dead and we were heading to a two-party, Conservative/NDP system. Sound familiar? #olpldr #onpoli 2/13

Despite that, people turned out in force - around 3,000 delegates. Over half had never been to a convention before. Over 1/3 were under 30 years-old. The energy there was amazing, and we laid the ground-work for the Liberal Party in government today. #olpldr #onpoli 3/13

In truth, the Liberal Party is really just the sum of whoever cares enough to show up and participate. Even if that hasn't been you in the past, it can be you now. And if you believe Ontario needs the Liberal party, like I do, it's time to step up. #olpldr #onpoli 4/13

I won't pretend rebuilding a party is easy. In 2012, there was an old guard of party insiders reluctant to accept change, to embrace new ideas, and to include newcomers like me. I see the same struggle brewing now. But change won out before, and it can again. #olpldr #onpoli 5/13

We're doing more than just choosing a leader. We're choosing a path forward. Do we believe this party needs to reinvent itself, with genuinely new ideas and new participants? I do. But some believe we just need to be more organized and raise more money. #olpldr #onpoli 6/13

Cards on the table. I believe @StevenDelDuca represents the old guard and the party insiders who don't want to let go. They believe what worked in the past will work again. And I see this convention as a struggle against that terrible and dangerous conceit. #olpldr #onpoli 7/13

I'm supporting Michael @coteau, but I'm happy to see so much new energy from all the other leadership candidates. I believe that as long as the party embraces that new energy, from outside the party establishment, we'll be well-served. I'm very optimistic. #olpldr #onpoli 8/13

All that depends, however, on new people caring enough to show up - not just join, but show up and participate. Like we did in 2012. That means you, and people like you. I promise, there's a lot of you out there. Together, we're a force to be reckoned with. #olpldr #onpoli 9/13

I know it's asking a lot. The time, the money, the psychological hurdle. The fear of showing up and feeling lost, knowing no one. But that's what it takes to step up and fix this party. The alternative is to leave it in the hands of the same damn people. #olpldr #onpoli 10/13

You know me. That's a start. Drop me a line. And you know other people here. No matter which candidate you support, believe me, that team is eager to include you. You have a group of like-minded people just waiting to meet you, even if you don't know it yet. #olpldr #onpoli 11/13

Some political events are just noise. This one isn't. This is one you'll remember for the rest of your life. And years from now, when we have a government that reflects our values again, you'll know you played a part in making that happen - if you're there. #olpldr #onpoli 12/13

I saw magic happen in 2012. I believe we'll see it again in 2020. We just need enough people to believe in it all together, and to show up. I know it's easier to stay home and hope someone else fixes it for you. But we need you. Don't say you weren't asked. #olpldr #onpoli 13/13