Upcoming Events: Guelph Women’s Municipal Campaign School Info Session

CFUW Guelph promotes increased representation of women and diverse candidates in municipal, provincial and federal governments. We support initiatives that build confidence, skills and networks for women seeking public office.

Background

Women comprise roughly 50% of the population in Guelph and surrounding communities. They are graduating from post-secondary education in unprecedented numbers. Yet women continue to be underrepresented in politics and in leadership positions at every level of business and the professions. We believe that women have something unique to offer. We need far more women, including young women of all backgrounds and social statuses, to see themselves in positions of power, and to see politics as part of their future. To this end, we are working with like-minded community groups and individuals to increase women’s participation in politics and other leadership positions.

Along with our partners, we see this project as being a collaborative effort and we are keen to help jumpstart a shared dialogue and initiative that meets the needs of women interested in leadership in the political and related realms. We also believe that although women-focused, it is important we have active participation of men and representative groups.

“Women need to be asked to run for office three times more than a man. Do you know a woman who would make an excellent political representative? #AskHer to run!”

We need your participation to help shape this event and to ensure that it meets the needs of potential women leaders in our community. Please contact us if you would like more information.

Resources

Community Engaged Scholarship Institute with CFUW Guelph

• Diversity in Local Politics (PowerPoint opens in new window)
• Women and Politics: Overcoming Barriers to Participation in Leadership (Research paper opens in new window)
• Women in Local Politics Brochures (UofG Political Science Grad Students)
  • How to Overcome Political & Institutional Barriers
  • Addressing Socioeconomic Barriers
  • How to get Motivated and Gain Confidence

Dropbox folder containing published resources

Useful websites

• 50% population, 25% representation
• Getting to the Gate: This online course aims to increase the number of elected women by providing practical tools for women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life interested in running for public office.
• FCM: Women in Local Government – Participating Communities
• Women and Politics London
• Canadian Women Voters Congress
• Equal Voice
• Elections | The Canada Guide
• Ready For Her (Alberta)
• AskHerYYC (Facebook page)
  The mission of Ask Her is to raise awareness of the under-representation of women on Calgary’s City Council and to encourage the participation of women in municipal politics. We are committed to supporting and registering women to run for office in the 2017 municipal election.
• FCM Campaign School Encourages Women’s Participation in Municipal Government
• Women and Leadership: CFUW Mentorship Program

N.B. We will continue to add resources and links as they become available.