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Press Release: Announcing “Your City, Your Voice!"
Curious about running for City Council or learning more about municipal politics? Your City, Your Voice is a free community workshop bringing together local organizations to help residents better understand the role of local government, the municipal election process, and what it takes to run for office in Greater Sudbury’s 2026 municipal election.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Your City, Your Voice Launches to Support Future Municipal Election Candidates in Greater Sudbury
Free community initiative aims to make local politics more accessible, approachable, and representative ahead of the 2026 municipal election
(Sudbury, ON) - As Greater Sudbury prepares for the 2026 municipal election, several local organizations are coming together to host a free workshop designed to help residents learn more about municipal politics and what it takes to run for City Council.
Your City Your Voice will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library in Greater Sudbury. The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about becoming a candidate for councillor or mayor, exploring public leadership, or better understanding how municipal government works.
Participants will learn about the role of municipal council, the election process, what prospective candidates need to know before running, and how to take the first steps toward a campaign.
The workshop is open to everyone, with organizers particularly encouraging Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, women, gender-diverse, and young community members to attend.
“Municipal government is the level of government that most directly shapes our daily lives,” says Amanda Kingsley Malo, founder of PoliticsNOW. “From roads and housing to recreation, libraries, and community spaces, the decisions made at City Hall affect all of us. If we want those decisions to truly reflect our community, the people around the council table should reflect the people who live here.”
“This workshop is about helping people see themselves in local leadership and giving them the information and support to explore what’s possible,” continues Kingsley Malo.
Nominations for the October 2026 municipal election are now open and will remain open until August 21, 2026.
Your City Your Voice is being collaboratively organized by Black Lives Matter Sudbury, Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury, Myths and Mirrors Community Arts, Fierté Sudbury Pride, and PoliticsNOW.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: 74 Mackenzie Street, Greater Sudbury
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration Page
ABOUT POLITICSNOW:
PoliticsNOW is a grassroots catalyst group dedicated to electing women and advancing inclusive leadership in politics, with a special focus on Northern Ontario. Since their founding in 2017, PoliticsNOW has supported more than 80 campaigns across Ontario and helped elect over 60 women to public office. Through campaign training, governance workshops, and advocacy initiatives, the organization equips women and gender-diverse leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed in politics.
Press Release: Announcing “Run Where You Are: Say Yes!"
As communities across Ontario prepare for the 2026 municipal elections, Run Where You Are – Say Yes is calling on women and gender-diverse people to take the next step toward public leadership. The free, non-partisan virtual event will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST, and is open to participants across the province.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Run Where You Are Launches to Inspire Women and Gender-Diverse Leaders to Step Into Politics
Run Where You Are is a virtual event helping future leaders take their first step into municipal politics
(Sudbury, ON) - As communities across Ontario prepare for the 2026 municipal elections, Run Where You Are – Say Yes is calling on women and gender-diverse people to take the next step toward public leadership. The free, non-partisan virtual event will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST, and is open to participants across the province.
Building on the momentum of the Run Where You Are initiative, Say Yes is designed for those who are curious about running for office, actively considering a campaign, or seeking clarity on what leadership could look like in their own community. The event focuses on breaking down barriers, addressing self-doubt, and offering practical insight from those who have already said “yes” to leadership.
“So many women are already leaders. They just haven’t called it that yet,” says Amanda Kingsley Malo, Founder of PoliticsNOW. “This event is about naming what’s already there, and showing women that they do not have to leap alone. There is a whole ecosystem ready to support them.”
The virtual panel will feature municipal leaders from across Ontario who will share candid reflections on their paths to public office, including lessons learned, challenges faced, and what they wish they had known before entering public office.
Confirmed panellists include:
Michelle Boileau, mayor of Timmins
Marilyn Crawford, councillor, Town of Ajax
Tammy Hwang, councillor, City of Hamilton
Joan John, councillor, Township of Southgate
Melanie Pilon, mayor of Wawa
“If you have ever thought ‘maybe me,’ that is not random,” continues Kingsley Malo. “That thought is information. Say Yes exists to help people take that whisper seriously and connect them with the training and support that makes it real.”
Despite progress in recent years, women and gender-diverse individuals continue to be underrepresented in municipal leadership across Ontario. Run Where You Are – Say YES aims to help close that gap by offering accessible, community-driven entry points into politics.
Run Where You Are is open to women and gender-diverse people across Ontario, whether they are simply curious about public leadership, preparing to launch a campaign, or looking to support others in politics. Please find the event details below,
Event Details
Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (donations welcome — proceeds shared among host organizations to support women in politics)
Registration: https://run-where-you-are-say-yes.eventbrite.ca
To learn more about the coalition of women-in-politics organizations involved, please see below.
ABOUT RUN WHERE YOU ARE:
Run Where You Are is a non-partisan, virtual campaign school designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse people across Ontario who are considering municipal office or school board positions. By providing practical guidance, mentorship, and access to regional networks, the program helps participants navigate the process of running for office with confidence. Co-hosted by a collective of organizations dedicated to advancing inclusive leadership, electHER Now, Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell, Municipal Campaign School, PoliticsNOW, The Jean Collective, and Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School, Run Where You Are empowers the next generation of local leaders and strengthens Ontario’s democracy.
ABOUT POLITICSNOW:
PoliticsNOW is a grassroots catalyst group dedicated to electing women and advancing inclusive leadership in politics, with a special focus on Northern Ontario. Since their founding in 2017, PoliticsNOW has supported more than 80 campaigns across Ontario and helped elect over 60 women to public office. Through campaign training, governance workshops, and advocacy initiatives, the organization equips women and gender-diverse leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed in politics.
“Exploring Your Run” 2026 Edition Is Here
The 2026 edition of Exploring Your Run for Municipal Office is live! Fully updated with new resources, a chapter on protecting your peace, bonus audio, and worksheets to help you explore your run with confidence.
Explore Your Run
It’s time to figure out whether or not you’re ready to run for office.
It’s time to figure out whether you’re ready to run for office — and the 2026 edition of Exploring Your Run for Municipal Office is finally here.
This fully updated workbook is designed for anyone who’s ever thought: “Could I run municipally — and what would it actually take?” It’s a step-by-step guide to exploring the decision to run, helping you get clarity, build confidence, and plan ahead without pressure.
Everything you need to explore your run, make confident decisions, and prepare for a successful campaign — all in one digital workbook.
Running for municipal office is exciting, meaningful, and yes — a little intimidating. That’s why I created this workbook: to help you explore the possibility, ask the right questions, and get organized before making any big commitments.
The 2026 edition is fully updated, with clearer guidance, new resources, and a brand-new chapter on protecting your peace — because running for office is serious work, and you deserve to feel good doing it.
What’s Inside:
Updated Guidance: Refreshed examples, links, and resources relevant to 2026.
New Chapter: Protecting your peace, including a worksheet to help you set healthy boundaries.
Bonus Audio: A reworked workshop in audio format, perfect for listening on the go.
Clear Explanations: Simplified, step-by-step guidance to take the guesswork out of early campaign decisions.
Practical Worksheets: Define your mission, map your community, and build your campaign team.
Why This Workbook Works:
Helps you make a confident decision to run
Breaks down complex campaign steps into simple, actionable exercises
Created by Amanda Kingsley Malo — educator, campaign veteran, and your personal guide through local politics
Format:
30+-page PDF
Instant download
Works on computer, tablet, or phone
What’s new in 2026:
The workbook is 33 pages of practical guidance designed to make exploring your run feel achievable and structured, not overwhelming.
What you will get in this resource:
Updated links and resources relevant for the 2026 municipal cycle
Improved explanations and tighter language
A brand-new chapter on protecting your peace, with a worksheet to help set boundaries
A bonus audio resource: a reworked workshop you can listen to anywhere
Expanded worksheets to help you define your mission, research your community, and map your campaign team
“I tell everyone who says they want to run that they need this workbook.” - a real politician
If you’ve already purchased the 2022 edition, you’ll get the full 2026 update for free — just shoot us an email for your special code.
This workbook is for you if you’ve ever dreamed of running for office but:
didn’t know where to start.
weren’t sure if you were ready.
felt like you needed to do some introspective to make sure that this is the next step.
This workbook was created by our founder, Amanda Kingsley Malo, drawing on over a decade of experience running campaigns and supporting candidates. It’s the resource she wishes she’d had when she first considered running and now it’s available to anyone thinking about taking the next step.
We want you to be ready to run and win.
Press Release: Announcing “Run Where You Are"
Run Where You Are is a free virtual event on September 23, 2025, designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse leaders across Ontario to step into municipal politics. Featuring keynote Kathleen Wynne and a panel of local leaders, the event offers practical tools, real stories, and connections to help you prepare for the 2026 elections.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Run Where You Are Launches to Inspire Women and Gender-Diverse Leaders to Step Into Politics
Run Where You Are is a virtual event helping future leaders take their first step into municipal politics
(Sudbury, ON) -A coalition of women-in-politics organizations from across Ontario is coming together to launch Run Where You Are, a free, non-partisan virtual event designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse people who are considering a run for municipal office or school board trustee positions in the October 2026 elections.
The online event will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST and is open to participants across Ontario.
“Municipal politics is where change starts — in our neighbourhoods, our schools, and our councils,” says Amanda Kingsley Malo, Founder of PoliticsNOW. “We created Run Where You Are to show women and gender-diverse people that you don’t need to have all the answers to take your first step. You just need the right support and community behind you.”
Only 37 per cent of Ontario’s municipalities are led by women or gender-diverse individuals. Run Where You Are aims to change that by breaking down barriers, demystifying the process of running for office and connecting participants with the networks and tools they need to step into leadership.
“The strength of our democracy depends on who is at the table making decisions,” says Kathleen Wynne, Former Premier of Ontario. “We need more women and gender-diverse leaders to bring their perspectives, experiences, and voices into public life. Run Where You Are is an important step in making Ontario’s leadership reflect the people it serves.”
The one-hour virtual kick-off on September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST will provide participants with a mix of practical guidance and actionable tools to explore municipal leadership. Participants will hear a keynote address by an inspiring leader who has successfully run for office and navigated the challenges of a political life. They will also gain insights from a real talk panel featuring three diverse voices in politics sharing their experiences and lessons learned. Followed by interactive breakout sessions tailored to their stage in the journey, including Curious About Running, Deciding to Run, Running Again, and Supporting a Campaign.
“Our roots are in Northern Ontario, but the need for women in leadership is everywhere,” continues Kingsley Malo. “Run Where You Are is about giving women the tools, support, and community to step into politics with confidence — no matter where they live.”
Run Where You Are is co-hosted by a collective of regional organizations committed to advancing women and gender-diverse leadership in local government, including,
Run Where You Are is open to women and gender-diverse people across Ontario, whether they are simply curious about public leadership, preparing to launch a campaign, or looking to support others in politics. Please find the event details below,
Event Details
Date: September 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (donations welcome — proceeds shared among host organizations to support women in politics)
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/run-where-you-are-tickets-1527433106539
To learn more about the coalition of women-in-politics organizations involved, please see below.
ABOUT RUN WHERE YOU ARE:
Run Where You Are is a non-partisan, virtual campaign school designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse people across Ontario who are considering municipal office or school board positions. By providing practical guidance, mentorship, and access to regional networks, the program helps participants navigate the process of running for office with confidence. Co-hosted by a collective of organizations dedicated to advancing inclusive leadership, electHER Now, Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell, Municipal Campaign School, PoliticsNow, The Jean Collective, and Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School, Run Where You Are empowers the next generation of local leaders and strengthens Ontario’s democracy.
ABOUT POLITICSNOW:
PoliticsNOW is a grassroots catalyst group dedicated to electing women and advancing inclusive leadership in politics, with a special focus on Northern Ontario. Since their founding in 2017, PoliticsNOW has supported more than 80 campaigns across Ontario and helped elect over 60 women to public office. Through campaign training, governance workshops, and advocacy initiatives, the organization equips women and gender-diverse leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed in politics.
Introducing "From Candidate to Council"
For Immediate Release
PoliticsNOW is excited to announce the launch of our latest initiative: "From Candidate to Council." This series is a captivating exploration into the journeys of the 2022 #ElectNOW candidates who successfully transitioned into roles as council members.
In this ongoing series, we have the privilege of connecting with individuals who secured positions as head of council, councillor, or school board trustee. Through insightful interviews, these newly elected officials share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs from their first year in office.
"At PoliticsNOW, we are committed to fostering civic engagement and empowering individuals to make a difference in their communities," said Amanda Kingsley Malo, founder of PoliticsNOW. "The 'From Candidate to Council' series serves as a platform for these leaders to share their stories and inspire others to get involved in local governance."
Join us as we explore the personal journeys of these civic leaders, from their motivations for running for office to the impact they hope to achieve in their communities. Through their stories, we encourage others to consider civic leadership roles and contribute to positive change.
The "From Candidate to Council" series is now live on the PoliticsNOW website, with new features released regularly. To read these inspiring stories and join the conversation on civic leadership, visit http://www.polinow.org/
For more information or media inquiries, please get in touch with Amanda at amanda@polinow.org.
About PoliticsNOW: PoliticsNOW is a grassroots organization based in Northern Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to empowering women to run for municipal council positions, PoliticsNOW provides comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources to bridge the gender gap in local governance and foster inclusive decision-making processes.
Introducing the Council Agenda Social Media Template
Calling all municipal politicians! Simplify agenda sharing effortlessly with our Council Agenda Template, tailored for busy schedules. Achieve efficiency, impact, and consistency in your communications. Customize seamlessly, strengthening connections with constituents. Invest in effective communication—empower your agenda, enhance your community bond. Get it now
Simplify Your Agenda Communication
Attention all municipal politicians!
Are you tired of struggling to create eye-catching and informative council agenda posts? We have the perfect solution for you - our Council Agenda Template designed exclusively for municipal politicians. Say goodbye to the days of spending hours crafting visually appealing agenda communications. With this template, powered by Canva, you can effortlessly communicate your meeting agenda, leaving you with more time to focus on what truly matters - serving your constituents.
Simplify Your Agenda Communication
Busy municipal politicians often find crafting eye-catching and informative council agenda posts challenging. Our Council Agenda Template, designed exclusively for municipal politicians, is here to change that. Powered by Canva, it allows you to effortlessly communicate your meeting agenda, giving you more time to focus on what matters - your constituents.
Key Features:
10-Page Comprehensive Template: Every element of a council meeting agenda is covered, along with expert advice to make your content shine.
Easy Customization: Tailor each page effortlessly with your brand's colours, fonts, and style.
Designed for Canva: Familiar and user-friendly platform so you can get started without any design hurdles.
Consulted and Approved: Crafted in consultation with real municipal politicians, ensuring it meets your unique needs.
Your Agenda, Elevated. Your Time, Preserved.
Our Council Agenda Template is more than just a design; it's a solution crafted with your busy schedule in mind. Save countless hours on creating attractive council agenda posts. Connect with your constituents seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression. Prioritize your work, not your design skills.
Professionalism, Simplified: Achieve a professional and consistent look for your agenda communications effortlessly.
Time Efficiency: Spend more time engaging with your community, less time worrying about design intricacies.
Connect Deeper: Effectively communicate your agenda, strengthening your relationship with constituents.
Key Features of our Council Agenda Template
Comprehensive 10-Page Template:
Every element of a council meeting agenda is covered within this comprehensive template. We've also included expert advice to ensure your content shines and captures attention.
Easy Customization:
Tailor each page effortlessly to match your brand's colors, fonts, and style. Make it uniquely yours with just a few clicks.
Designed for Canva:
This template is created on Canva, a familiar and user-friendly platform. You can start using it immediately without any design hurdles, even if you're not a design expert.
Consulted and Approved:
We've crafted this template in consultation with real municipal politicians to ensure it meets your unique needs and expectations. It's designed by politicians, for politicians.
your agenda, elevated. your time, preserved.
Our Council Agenda Template is more than just a design; it's a solution crafted with your busy schedule in mind. Here's what you can expect:
Professionalism, Simplified: Achieve a professional and consistent look for your agenda communications effortlessly. Impress your audience with a polished and visually appealing agenda.
Time Efficiency: Save countless hours that would typically be spent creating council agenda posts. With this template, you can now allocate more time to engaging with your community and focusing on your essential duties.
Connect Deeper: Effectively communicate your agenda, strengthening your relationship with constituents. Create a lasting impression and enhance your connection with the community you serve.
This resource is for you if …
time is of the essence and efficiency is key.
you seek to make a lasting impact on your community.
maintaining a consistent and professional image matters.
easy customization is what you're looking for.
strengthening constituent relationships is a priority.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to simplify your agenda communication and enhance your presence on social media. Purchase our Council Agenda Template today and revolutionize the way you communicate with your constituents.
Let's make impactful agenda-sharing a breeze!
Note: The Council Agenda Template is a digital product available for purchase. After purchase, you'll receive instant access to the template for use on the Canva platform.
And don’t forget to check out our other other, if you’re looking for additional support.
