break barriers and build the relationships you need to make a run for office
Running for municipal office is no easy feat, especially for women. Despite making up over 50% of the population, women remain significantly underrepresented in political office at all levels of government. There are a variety of reasons for this, from systemic barriers to outright sexism and misogyny. But there are also strategies and tips that can help women overcome these challenges and pursue their political ambitions.
1. Build a Strong Support Network
Building a strong support network is essential for women running for municipal office. Here are some tips to achieve it:
Identify potential supporters early on and start building relationships with them.
Create an advisory board with experts in different areas to guide you throughout the campaign.
Utilize social media to connect with potential supporters and share updates about the campaign.
Seek out support from other women in politics, attend events and forums, and engage with women's political organizations in your area.
By implementing these strategies, women running for municipal office can establish a strong support network that can provide emotional, financial, and logistical support throughout the campaign. This network can be invaluable in ensuring success on the campaign trail and beyond.
Looking for other blog posts about planning your campaign? Check these out.
2. Seek Out Mentorship and Training Opportunities
There are plenty of organizations and programs out there that offer mentorship, training, and other resources to women who are considering running for office. Some examples include:
ElectHer Now, which is a nonpartisan organization that provides online training and support for women running for office. Their training modules cover a range of topics, including fundraising, campaign strategy, and public speaking. The program also offers one-on-one coaching and mentorship to help women navigate the challenges of running for office.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Women in Local Government Program, which provides resources, research findings and funding opportunities to women seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in municipal politics.
The Canadian Women's Foundation, which offers a variety of resources and funding opportunities for women seeking to enter politics.
Equal Voice, a non-partisan group aims to promote the election of more women to all levels of government in Canada. They offer mentorship opportunities, training programs, and networking events to help women connect with other women in politics and develop the skills they need to succeed in elected positions.
And of course, you can always access our resources, which help women navigate the process of running for office. We’ve created helpful templates and a workbook that can guide you on your journey.
The PoliticsNOW workbook is designed to help women develop a campaign strategy and includes templates for things like budgeting, canvassing, and volunteer recruitment. The organization also offers online resources, webinars, and coaching sessions to help women build the skills they need to run a successful campaign.
By utilizing the resources offered by PoliticsNOW, women considering running for municipal office can develop a comprehensive campaign strategy and gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Whether you're a first-time candidate or a seasoned campaigner, seeking out the resources and mentorship available through organizations like PoliticsNOW can be an essential step towards success in municipal politics.
3. Create a Clear Campaign Plan and Messaging Strategy
Developing a clear plan and messaging strategy can help women stay on track and communicate effectively with voters. This means developing a platform that addresses the needs and concerns of your constituents, outlining a plan for fundraising and campaign events, and identifying the key issues and values that will guide your campaign messaging.
4. Connect with Other Women in Politics
Finally, it's important for women running for municipal office to connect with other women in politics. Women supporting women is a beautiful thing, and building connections with other women who are running for office or who have previously served in elected positions can be incredibly valuable. Attend events and forums specifically for women in politics, seek out mentorship and networking opportunities, and engage with women's political organizations in your area.
And if you’ve attended any of PoliticsNOW’s events, you’re invited to connect with other alumnae from our program on our Facebook group.
TL;DR
Running for municipal office can be a daunting task, but it's also incredibly rewarding. By building a strong support network, seeking out training and mentorship opportunities, creating a clear campaign plan and messaging strategy, and connecting with other women in politics, women can help ensure their success on the campaign trail. We need more women in municipal office to ensure that our communities are representative and equitable, and by taking these steps, women can help break down the barriers that prevent us from achieving that goal.— more learning —
If you're considering running for municipal office, start building your support network and developing your skills today. Check out our resources for aspiring candidates and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and empowered on your journey to public service!
