Women’s municipal campaign school launches in Waterloo Region

(Waterloo Region Women's Municipal Campaign School/Facebook)

A program aimed at encouraging more women and underrepresented groups to run for municipal office is getting underway in Waterloo Region this weekend.

Day 1 of the Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School takes place Saturday at RIM Park, bringing together current and former elected officials to share insights on running for office and serving in public life.

Organizers say the initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to explore municipal politics.

Speakers scheduled to take part include regional coun. Colleen James, Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger, Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, coun. Chantal Huinink, coun. Stephanie Stretch and former Waterloo coun. Melissa Durrell.

The session will also highlight the “Elect Respect” campaign, which promotes safe and inclusive spaces for candidates and communities during elections.

Participants will learn how municipal campaigns work, how to become a candidate and how to build a platform and messaging strategy.

The campaign school is a volunteer-led initiative with roots in the region dating back more than two decades. It was created to help address the underrepresentation of women in municipal leadership.