4 Confidence Boosting Strategies For First-Time Candidates

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.

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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!

PoliticsNOW Named One of 62 Political Leadership Entrepreneurship Organizations To Watch by Apolitical

We are thrilled to announce that PoliticsNOW has been recognized as one of 62 Political Leadership Entrepreneurship Organizations To Watch by Apolitical.

This international recognition is a testament to our commitment to empowering women running for municipal office and creating a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.

At PoliticsNOW, our mission is to provide women with the tools, resources, and support they need to run successful campaigns and win elections at the municipal level. We believe that by increasing the representation of women in municipal politics, we can create a more diverse and representative government that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all members of our communities.

Our vision is to see women equally represented in municipal politics and to empower them to effect positive change in their communities. By encouraging and supporting women to run for office, we strive to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society at all levels of government.

We are honored to be recognized by Apolitical and proud to be one of only three Canadian organizations to be included in this prestigious list. This recognition reinforces our belief that supporting women in politics is essential to creating a better future for all.

We invite you to learn more about our organization and join us in our efforts to empower women and create a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can make a difference and create a better world for all.

For more information about this recognition and to learn more about the other great organizations doing amazing work all over the world, please visit Apolitical’s website.

Invest In the Future of Politics

Consider donating to PoliticsNOW to help empower women running for municipal office and create a more inclusive political landscape. Your support can provide resources to women across Canada, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in their communities. Join us in building a better future for all.

Help Us Shape the Future

Empowering Girls to Lead

5 Steps to Encourage Political Involvement For the Girls In Your Life

As we celebrate International Women's Month, it's important to remember that empowering young girls to get involved in politics is crucial to creating a more equal and representative society. While politics can seem intimidating and overwhelming, we can all take a few simple steps to encourage girls to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

1. Start Early

Encouraging young girls to build their leadership skills early on can be a great way to set them on the path toward political success. One way to do this is by encouraging them to get involved in student government or extracurricular activities that promote leadership and community involvement. This can include clubs that focus on community service, student council, or even sports teams where they can develop teamwork and communication skills. By starting early, girls can gain the confidence and experience they need to become successful leaders later in life.

2. Highlight Role Models

Girls must see other women in leadership roles to visualize themselves in those positions. By being a role model, you can inspire young girls to get involved in politics and make a difference in their communities. This can include sharing your own experiences and stories of success and introducing them to other women in leadership roles who they can look up to. By showing girls that women can be successful in politics, we can inspire them to pursue their own goals and dreams.

Here are just a few to get you started:

1. The Right Honourable Kim Campbell - Canada's first female Prime Minister (1993-1994), also served as Minister of National Defence and Minister of Justice.

2. Jody Wilson-Raybould - Former MP and Minister of Justice, an advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada.

3. Chrystia Freeland - Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, a champion for free trade and international trade agreements.

4. Rosemary Brown - First Black woman to be elected to a Canadian provincial legislature (1972), a champion of women's and minority rights, and instrumental in the creation of Canada's multiculturalism policy.

5. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon - Former Canadian diplomat and Inuk leader who was appointed as Canada's first Indigenous Governor General; an advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, as well as climate action and environmental protection.

looking to be inspired by northern ontario women? check out our blog series on the women who ran for council in the 2022 ontario municipal election.

3. Make it Accessible

Politics can seem like an exclusive club, but it doesn't have to be. By making politics accessible, we can encourage more young girls to participate and make a difference in their communities. This can include encouraging them to attend council meetings, engaging with their local representatives, and asking questions. Girls must know that their voices matter and that they have a place at the table. By providing them with the tools and resources they need to get involved, we can help them become successful leaders and advocates for change.

4. Highlight the Issues

Young girls are more likely to get involved in politics if they see the issues they care about being discussed and addressed. We can encourage girls to speak up and take action by highlighting the issues that matter to them. This can include encouraging them to attend rallies or protests, writing letters to local representatives, or even running for office. By giving them the tools and resources they need to make a difference, we can empower young girls to become advocates for change and help create a better future for all.

What are 5 books girls and their parents can read to empower them to become advocates for change:

1. "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai: In this memoir, Malala shares her incredible story of standing up to the Taliban in Pakistan and fighting for girls' education. Her bravery and determination are truly inspiring and show young readers that even the smallest voices can make a big impact.

2. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: This powerful novel follows the story of Starr Carter, a black teenager who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer. The book addresses important issues around racism, police brutality, and activism, and encourages young readers to use their voices to fight for change.

3. "Rad Girls Can" by Kate Schatz: This book features 50 real-life stories of young girls and women who have made a difference in the world. From activists to scientists to athletes, these stories are sure to inspire readers and show them that anything is possible if they work hard and believe in themselves.

4. “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers” by Rebel Girls. A collection of inspiring stories featuring extraordinary young women who are making a difference in the world, including well-known figures like Greta Thunberg and up-and-coming changemakers like inventor Vinisha Umashankar and poet Alexandra Huynh. Each story is accompanied by a bold portrait created by young female and nonbinary artists.

5. “Govern Like a Girl: The Women Who Became Canada’s First Ministers” by Kate Graham: Thirteen Canadian female politicians, including one Prime Minister and twelve Premiers, are highlighted in this book. The stories of their childhoods, political careers, and differences from male politicians are told to inspire future female leaders.

5. Celebrate Success

When girls get involved in politics and make a difference, it's important to celebrate their achievements. This can include recognizing them publicly, providing them with opportunities for growth and development, or simply congratulating them on a job well done. By celebrating their successes, we can build their confidence and inspire them to continue making a difference in their communities. This can also encourage other young girls to participate in politics and contribute to the world.

Celebrating success for girls in politics can also involve engaging the community. This can be done through public events, such as panel discussions, town halls, or networking events showcasing girls' political accomplishments. By involving the community in celebrating their success, we can build a sense of pride and unity and inspire others to participate in politics and make a difference.

TL;DR

Encouraging young girls to get involved in politics is crucial for building a more equal and representative society. We can achieve this by providing role models, making politics accessible, highlighting issues, and celebrating success. Let's work together to inspire girls to make a difference in their communities and create a brighter future in politics.

Disclaimer: By clicking and purchasing any of the products linked in this post, we may earn a very small commission.

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Why You Should Join a Municipal Board

If you're looking to make a difference in your community and get involved in local decision-making, joining a local municipal board is a fantastic opportunity.

become a leader in your community

Gain Leadership Experience and Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Whether you're interested in contributing to your municipality, gaining leadership experience, or having a say in the decisions affecting your neighbours, joining a municipal board is a great way to do all these things and more.

One of the best aspects of joining a municipal board is that it's open to anyone interested, regardless of their background or experience. All you have to do is visit your municipal website and look for information on how to apply. Most municipalities have applications available online, with a deadline typically in early January. You can contact your municipal clerk for more information if you have any questions.

Step Up as a Leader and Have a Voice in Local Decision-Making

By joining a municipal board, you'll have the chance to work with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community. This can be an excellent opportunity to connect with others who share your values and goals and to collaborate on projects and initiatives that can make a real difference in your community.

Learn About the Challenges and Opportunities Facing Your Community

In addition to connecting with others, joining a municipal board can also be a great way to learn about your municipality's issues and how things work behind the scenes. You'll have the opportunity to gain new insights and understanding about the challenges and opportunities facing your community and to contribute your perspective and ideas to the decision-making process.

Gain experience for Future Political Leadership

Another great benefit of joining a municipal board is that it can be a stepping stone towards a future run for council. By participating in the decision-making process and gaining leadership experience, you'll be building the skills and knowledge needed to effectively represent your community at the local level. Even if you don't have aspirations to run for council, joining a municipal board is a great way to make a real difference in your community and have a voice in the decisions that affect your neighbours.

So why wait? It's a great way to get involved in your community and make a positive impact, and you'll have the chance to work with others who share your passion for making a difference. Plus, you'll gain valuable experience and insights that can help you make a bigger impact in your community in the future.

Overall, joining a municipal board is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in your community, make a positive impact, and gain valuable experience and insights. If you're looking for ways to give back and make a difference, applying to join a local municipal board is a great way to do so.

TL;DR

If you're looking to get more involved in your community and make a real impact, have you considered joining a local municipal board? It's a great opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their community, learn about important issues facing your municipality, and share your own perspective and ideas. Plus, it can be a stepping stone towards a future run for council and help you gain valuable leadership experience. And don't worry about not having the right background or experience - the application process is open to anyone who is interested. Just head to your municipal website to learn more and apply. The deadline is usually in early January, so don't wait too long to throw your hat in the ring!

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How To File Your Financial Statement

As a municipal council or school board election candidate, it's essential to understand your responsibilities when completing and filing your financial statement.

How To File Your Financial Statement

First and foremost, all candidates must file a financial statement using Form 4. This includes candidates who withdrew their nomination, weren't certified, didn't appear on the ballot, and were acclaimed.

To complete your financial statement, you'll need to fill in Box A with your name and the office you're running for, as well as Box B, the Declaration. If you didn't receive any contributions (including from yourself) or incur any expenses, you'll just need to check the appropriate box and complete the Declaration in Box B. If you did receive contributions or incur expenses, you'll need to fill out the information in Box C, Box D, Schedule 1, and Schedule 2 as appropriate. It might be helpful to start with the more detailed sections, like the tables in Schedule 1, before moving on to Box C, the Statement of Campaign Income and Expenses.

If your campaign contributions or expenses exceed $10,000, you'll need to include an auditor's report with your financial statement. Once you've completed your financial statement, it's essential to submit it to the clerk by 2 p.m. on the last Friday in March (March 31, 2023). If you need to submit any supplementary financial statements, they'll need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on the last Friday in September (September 29, 2023).

let's talk about leftover campaign inventory

Any leftover inventory at the end of your campaign becomes your personal property. If you want to store materials for use in a future election, any storage costs will be personal expenses, not campaign expenses. It's important to note that the value of all goods must be recorded as an expense, even if you have unused inventory at the end of your campaign. Don't subtract the value of unused goods from your campaign expenses, as this will result in the campaign appearing to have a surplus that you don't actually have.

If your campaign ends with a surplus after you've refunded contributions made by yourself or your spouse, you'll need to pay the surplus to the clerk when you file your financial statement. The surplus will be held in trust and can be used to cover expenses related to a compliance audit. If the surplus isn't needed for these expenses, it becomes the property of the municipality or school board. If your campaign expenses exceed your campaign income, your campaign will be in deficit. It's worth noting that ending your campaign with a deficit may raise questions about how expenses were paid for and whether you contributed more than your self-funding limit by paying outstanding expenses with personal funds.

Know Your Deadlines

As a candidate, it's your responsibility to file a complete and accurate financial statement on time. The deadline for filing is 2 p.m. on the last Friday in March following the election (March 31, 2023). Even if you have a bookkeeper or accountant complete your financial statement, you're still responsible for ensuring it's complete, accurate, and filed on time. Financial statements don't need to have original signatures. You can contact your clerk to see if you can file your statement electronically if you're unable to file it in person. If you filed a nomination form, you'll need to file a financial statement (regardless of whether you withdrew your nomination, were not certified or didn’t appear on the ballot).

If you think you'll be unable to file your financial statement by the deadline, you can apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an extension before March 31, 2023. If the court grants the extension, you'll be able to receive a refund of your nomination fee if you file by the deadline given by the court. There is also a grace period for filing, which allows you to file your financial statement after the deadline if you cannot file on time due to circumstances beyond your control. To qualify for the grace period, you'll need to file your financial statement within six months of the deadline and include a written explanation of the circumstances that prevented you from filing on time.

If you file your financial statement late, you'll be required to pay a late filing fee. The late filing fee is $500 if you file within six months of the deadline and $1,000 if you file after six months. If you don't file a financial statement or pay the late filing fee, you'll be disqualified from running in future elections until you've filed your financial statement and paid the late filing fee.

Track Your Contributions

If you didn't receive any contributions (including from yourself) or incur any expenses, you only need to fill out the first page of the financial statement and sign it. If you did receive contributions or incur expenses, you'll need to complete the relevant parts of the financial statement.

It's important to keep good records of your campaign contributions and expenses, as you'll need to provide them to the clerk when you file your financial statement. You can contact your clerk for more information if you have any questions about what needs to be included in your financial statement. It's also a good idea to review the Candidates' Guide, which provides detailed information about the rules and requirements for candidates in municipal council and school board elections.

TL;DR

It's super important to make sure you understand all the responsibilities that come with completing and filing your financial statements. This includes figuring out how much your leftover campaign swag is worth and paying any extra money you have left over to the clerk. It's also a good idea to keep track of everything and make sure you know all the rules and requirements for candidates, which you can find in the Candidates' Guide. And if you forget to file your financial statement or pay the late fee, you might not be able to run in future elections. Just something to keep in mind!it's super important to make sure you understand all the responsibilities that come with completing and filing your financial statements. This includes figuring out how much your leftover campaign swag is worth and paying any extra money you have left over to the clerk. It's also a good idea to keep track of everything and make sure you know all the rules and requirements for candidates, which you can find in the Candidates' Guide. And if you forget to file your financial statement or pay the late fee, you might not be able to run in future elections. Just something to keep in mind!

And if you’re looking for more information, remember that you can always consult the Ontario 2022 Candidates’ Guide, which gives you all of the up to date information that you need.

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Leslie Steel

Leslie Marie Steel is running for Council in Ward 9 in Greater Sudbury.

Leslie (she/her) is excited to be running for City Council in Ward 9. She is a lifelong Sudburian: educated in Greater Sudbury, she also raised her family in the city and was employed in public service for over 30 years. She comes from a family of entrepreneurs who have always been immersed in business and keen to help Sudbury grow in the right direction. She is a tireless advocate, working in the field of Social Services, and is presently a Patient & Family Advisor at Health Sciences North and the Chair of the Northern Initiative for Social Action (a Peer Lead Organization of persons with lived experience of mental health challenges/mental illness). The Northern Initiative for Social Action is member-driven and offers meaningful and useful programs, and believes in active recovery rather than passive dependence on community services.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for council because we need to change the direction and attitude of the government in this city, and I am ready to be that strong, creditable, and cooperative representation.

What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?

Besides the obvious better roads, sidewalks, bike paths etc., more diversity would greatly enhance Ward 9. We need to promote our beautiful city through tourism and better economic development opportunities, which will attract and include different population groups with different ideas. We need to create communities that reinforce those differences to enhance our lives.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?

Well, unfortunately, 1 million is not a lot in this day and age, but I might use it to attract developers to start looking for workable ideas to plan for the construction of affordable housing.

What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?

Ward 9 is extremely large geographically, and the constituents have competing ideas in many cases. Coniston has an amazing community that supports its residents with several initiatives run primarily by volunteers. I believe the South End needs to embrace "meaningful development" by being conscious of wildlife/environmental/safety responsibilities and transportation needs. Basically, like the rest of Sudbury, Ward 9 needs to identify their priorities and create workable ideas for success

Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?

I have knocked on hundreds of doors so far and basically people just want to be heard. They don't want you to send them minutes or notes or forward them links to other websites, they just want you to listen to them. I would hold more community meetings to engage constituents. I do have a website (www.LeslieSteel.ca) or you can follow me on Facebook at Leslie Steel 4 Ward 9.

What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?

Swim in the lakes, eat at our amazing restaurants and work in my garden.

Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?

My parents instilled in me the confidence to know that my opinions were to be valued. That is the message that I want to give other women to encourage them to pursue leadership roles because we belong at the table making decisions. Women have different ideas and different ways of handling situations. After all, it takes some amazing skills to take care of your home, raise your children, be there for your aging parents, babysit your grandchildren, walk a dog and be engaged at your full-time job. Let's hope in a few years, we will be having a different conversation about women in the workplace. So again, it comes down to diversity which has been absent at the Municipal level

Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:

My first priority: Social Inclusion. That says it all!

Where can people find you?

Facebook
Website

Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.