CENTRE WELLINGTON – A series of new training videos is ready for leaders across Ontario interested in running for municipal office this fall.
These videos have been produced to empower women and other equity-seeking groups with the tools they need to start building winning campaign plans.
COVID has prevented the Municipal Campaign School from sharing this information in person, states a press release. So the online resource is the next best thing.
“This series of practical videos are amazing resources for women and other equity-seeking groups who are ready to start planning their municipal campaigns,” states Curt Hammond, one of the local school organizers.
“We are excited to be sharing them with anyone in Ontario interested in running for municipal office.”
Each video is an interview with a guest who has experience in political campaigning.
The first videos cover campaign planning 101, debate prep and insights about serving as a female counsellor in local politics.
Future conversations will cover messaging (including the power of framing), raising money and financial reporting, door knocking and how to follow the formal nomination process run by each local municipality.
Additional videos will be posted throughout March as they are completed.
“Now is the time to start planning your municipal election campaign and these videos are the right mix of hands-on insights and motivation to give leaders the direction and confidence they need to win,” added Diane Ballantyne, a current Wellington County councillor for Ward 6 and campaign school supporter.
“Running for office is not an easy thing to do. It is especially hard for women and other equity-seeking groups because of the many systemic barriers they face.”
She continued, “These videos have been produced with them in mind. They offer honest and inspiring insights that we hope will help change the makeup of local councils across Ontario.”
In addition to these videos, the school has posted an extensive list of online resources and tools to help candidates with their planning. This list has been vetted by experienced campaigners and has been organized by relevant topics. Additional resources will be added throughout the spring.
Municipal Campaign School is a volunteer-led initiative between campaign schools in Guelph, Oxford County and Wellington County.
For information visit MunicipalCampaignSchool.ca.
