Shervin Rizmani,left,with David Zimmer at Minister Zimmer’s Annual New Year’s Levee (Image courtesy: Alex Barber)
Shervin Rismani’s passion for politics and spirit of community is evident through his volunteer work. As an immigrant teenager, Shervin took his time to adjust to Canadian culture and learn more about his surroundings. The more he learned, the more fascinated he became with the country’s political system.
He identified with the Liberal Party and read whatever he could get his hands on regarding the party’s policies and principles.
Pursuing a degree in political science at the University of Toronto only made Shervin more determined to experience how the system was like in the real world.
“It’s one thing to read it in books and hear about it in class and quite another to actually be a part of it,” he said.
Shervin decided to use his love for politics to give back to his community. He started volunteering with the office of Willowdale MPP David Zimmer during his first year of university and has been doing it ever since.
“I found out who the MPP was in my area, walked into the office and said I was interested in volunteering. Alex Barber (Zimmer’s Executive Assistant) was there at the time and everyone in the office was so gracious. I was introduced to various organizations and was very involved with the youth association in Willowdale during my university years,” Shervin said.
His position as an associate lawyer at a law firm in Toronto keeps him busy but Shervin makes time to help out at the association. He is now in his second term as the President of the Willowdale Provincial Liberal Association and is actively involved in helping organize events, keeping the association’s finances in check and looking into administrative matters.
Shervin also accepted a request by the mayor of Richmond Hill to join the area’s Multicultural Advisory Committee where he hopes to be more involved in the future.
He encourages young people interested in politics to start out by volunteering for political organizations.
“It is always best to do it when you are younger,” advises the 27-year-old.
“During high school or while at university, you have more time. As you get a little older, you have your professional life to commit to and that limits the amount of volunteer work you can do.”
Volunteering provides a tremendous opportunity for learning, developing ideas and coming in contact with people who have a wealth of information to share, Shervin added.
“I consider myself lucky to be working for David Zimmer. He is involved with various boards and organizations and is a great mentor. There were many times when I’ve called him and asked for advice. These are the types of people you come across while volunteering.”
“During high school you are most often surrounded by people your own age and who have the same mindset so it’s good to be involved with older, more established individuals in professional settings. It makes you prepared for the future.” he said.
According to Shervin, volunteering is a great way to gain insight into how a society functions. Volunteering at a young age helps develop necessary skills and experience that youth can take advantage of later on.
Shervin said he hopes to continue to help out as much as he can in his community and stay involved in volunteering. His story provides a great example of how volunteering can be such a rewarding experience.
