This campaign school has already taken place.

Women and Gender Diverse Leaders of Nova Scotia!

We are excited to offer a FREE Campaign School in March and April 2024, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Status of Women Office.

This program is designed to equip women and gender diverse individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to run for political office in Canada. Equal Voice is a multi-partisan organization, and this program will provide the opportunity to hear from elected officials and experts from all political parties and levels.

Want to run in the 2025 election?
Interested in making a mark on someone else’s campaign?
Just beginning to dip your toe into the political world and looking to expand your circle?

There is no better time than now to learn how to navigate the Campaign Trail! Whether your interest lies in municipal, provincial, federal, or Indigenous leadership, this program is for you. After all, Canada needs you.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Facilitated by Courtney Clarke, Equal Voice’s Senior Manager of Education, this program consists of 4 online sessions and 1 in-person session. Sessions include a mix of group exercises, guest speakers, and networking opportunities with others from across Nova Scotia.

The 4 online sessions will take place every Thursday evening for 4 weeks, starting March 7th from 7-9pm Atlantic Time. We will follow up with 1 in-person session, which includes a mock campaign simulation, taking place Saturday April 6th from 1-5pm Atlantic Time in downtown Halifax (Exact location to come soon).

Participants will receive a comprehensive workbook to guide them through the program, as well as post-session notes.

The program itself is FREE, thanks to the Nova Scotia Status of Women Office.
While it is highly encouraged to attend both the online and in-person sessions, participants can also:
- Just join the online sessions
- Just join the in-person session
For the in-person session: Travel and childcare subsidies are available for the in-person session. Light snacks and lunch will be provided.
For online sessions: Participants will need a computer with internet, Zoom and microphone/camera capabilities. Closed captioning and automated language translation options will be available. Sessions will NOT be recorded.
If you have any further questions, please email [email protected]

4 ONLINE SESSIONS & 1 IN-PERSON SESSION: WHAT TO EXPECT

Session 1: Know Your Why, Then Pick Your Podium
Thursday March 7, 7-9pm AT

We will begin by exploring your “why,” building your backstory, and defining your persona. From there, we’ll link your passions, expertise, and experience to where you can make the best impact. Municipal, provincial, federal, or Indigenous leadership – Pick your podium!

Session 2: Creating Connections on the Campaign Trail
Thursday March 14, 7-9pm AT

Politics is all about relationship building. In this session, we will provide tips on how to build your overall network, set up your campaign team and volunteer base, as well as discuss phone and door canvassing best practices.

Session 3: Media Confidence, Public Speaking & Social Media
Thursday March 21, 7-9pm AT

In this session, we will zoom out from last week’s conversation about interpersonal connections and talk about successful mass communications strategies, including best practices when it comes to giving a speech, speaking to the media, or communicating on social networks.

Session 4: Campaign Budgeting, Fundraising & Events
Thursday March 28, 7-9pm AT

How much will you need, where will you get it and what are the rules? In this session, we will provide insight into how successful campaign teams budget, fundraise and host events. Where you live and what level of government you run for will drastically impact your numbers so we will show you how to figure out what to expect, based on your situation.

In-Person Session: Reflection & Mock Campaign Simulation
Saturday April 6, 10am-5pm AT in DT Halifax

APPLICATIONS CLOSED