Wondering if running for office might be for you?

Here’s your chance to explore — with no pressure and no judgment! Whether you’re just curious or considering stepping into leadership, this 7-week campaign school will give you the insight and tools to understand what running for office is all about.

Take this opportunity to explore the world of being a leader in your community.  Ask questions, and learn from experienced leaders. It’s a supportive space where you can try things out, learn at your own pace, and connect with others who are on a similar journey. No risk, just possibilities!

Join us every Wednesday for 7 weeks, starting October 22. Donations will be welcome. It will be necessary to commit to attending all 7 weeks as each session builds on the preceeding session. The final session will be on Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m.

Register by email: helen@thejeancollective.ca  – Or – go to our home page, click on the ‘contact us’ button to register.

Many women with political aspirations start their campaigns late. If you decide at the end of this that you would like to run for public office, this is your key to building an effective campaign, early preparation is key.  Get involved in committees in your community and begin to build your profile, then join our campaign school this fall.

We can help you gain the knowledge and skills for a successful political campaign. Covering topics like campaign strategy, fundraising, volunteer management, and media engagement. Each session will be led by experts in various fields, providing comprehensive insights and actionable takeaways. Gain the confidence and insights needed to lead a winning campaign.

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1578991759859?aff=oddtdtcreator

#1 What is Your Why? October 22, 2025 -7 p.m.

Dee Stewardson is a Certified Teacher and artistic wellness coach with years of experience in teaching, coaching, and supporting learners. Her session will focus on pulling out leadership and strengths, that best support people in living their best lives. Are you ready to determine your why and how to live a  more intentional, joy filled, and productive life? Join us as we explore and reflect on our values, while exploring what truly makes us want to jump out of bed in the morning, excited to start our day. 

Three main questions we will explore:

 1. What lights you up, where are you the happiest, most fulfilled?  
2. What gifts do you wish to share with the world? 
3. Do your goals fully align with your values?

The first in a series. This session helps to identify the qualities required to become an elected official and assess your compatibility with public office. Participants will gain an understanding what it takes to be an elected official. 

#2 Managing Your Inner Leader: Personal Values & Beliefs October 29, 2025 -7 p.m.

Deb Crowe, Author of Heart Centered Leadership. 

This session is designed to help women get elected. When making decisions as a politician, your values and beliefs play a crucial role in guiding your actions and choices. It serves as an anchor, helping you navigate the complexities of public office with integrity and clarity. That’s why we prioritize this workshop early in the series—it sets the foundation for everything you do.  This session is expected to include: Brainstorming, to identify and articulate your personal values and beliefs.

Group Discussion: Explore how to align your personal values and beliefs with your political goals, ensuring that your actions are consistent with your core principles. 

By defining your values, you will be better equipped to lead with confidence and authenticity.

 #3 Harassment and Social Media: Navigating the Digital Landscape Safely November 5, 2025 – 7 p.m.

Panel Members:   

• Skylar Franke, Councillor City of London 
• Mireille Lalancette, Professor of social communication at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières 
• Tamara A. Small, leading expert of Canadian politics with a particular research focus on digital politics — the impact and use of digital technologies by Canadian political actors 

This session will explore the pervasive issue of harassment on social media platforms and help participants gain the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. It will explore how to develop strategies to prevent and respond to online harassment.

#4 What Do You Need to Know to Run for Municipal Council? November 12, 2025 – 7 p.m.

Led by Dianne Brown and Amanda Gubbels. Amanda Gubbels has worked in local government for over 15 years, including the past decade leading various organizations as a Chief Administrative Officer. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy and has led four municipal elections throughout her career so far. Amanda is passionate about good governance, strong teams, and community-focused leadership. Dianne Gould-Brown is a retired municipal Clerk with extensive experience in local government administration and passionate about promoting excellence in election management. She holds a General Diploma in Public Administration from Western University. Dianne also served as a Municipal Advisor with Municipal Affairs and Housing providing guidance and support to municipalities across the province.

This session will provide concrete information on how to run for municipal council in Ontario. There will also be a discussion on what your job will look like as a locally elected official.

Amanda and Dianne will walk you through everything you need to know even before you walk into the Clerk’s office to obtain your election package. We will also be using information from Ontario Election Guides. 

#5 – Choosing Your Words Carefully, Crafting A Story and Key Messaging That Connects To Your Political Goals – November 19– 7 p.m.

Led by Courtney Hance, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Branding Firm Inc. 

This dynamic session explores the strategic power of storytelling and message development in building a compelling personal brand for your political campaign. Building on insights from earlier workshops, participants will learn how to craft an authentic narrative and align their key messaging with their political objectives, thereby maximizing impact across marketing, media, and voter engagement channels. This interactive session will help you define and communicate your “why” with clarity and conviction. Led by accomplished Brand Strategist Courtney Hance, known for her engaging delivery and transformative insights, this workshop offers practical tools and lasting value to help you connect with your audience and stand out with purpose.

 #6 Working with Media and the Public – November 26, 2025 – 7 p.m.

Led by Melissa Durrell, CEO and Chief Strategist of Durrell Communications. 

Melissa is known for her distinctive storytelling techniques honed during her former career as an award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist.   In this session, participants will learn how to effectively work with the media and engage with the public. 

#7 Building Your Campaign & Raising Funds – Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10 am

Led by Cathy Burghardt Jesson, Mayor of Lucan Biddulph; Joanne Vanderheyden, Former Mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc; and Arlene Morell, School Board Trustee

This powerhouse session brings together everything you need to launch a winning campaign—from strategic planning to budgeting and fundraising. Whether you’re just starting to think about running or you’re ready to get serious, this workshop will help you move from idea to action.

We’ll cover:

• How to build your team and engage volunteers
• Creating a campaign timeline that works for you
• Developing a clear, consistent message and visual identity
• Mapping out voter outreach that connects with your community
• Budgeting for your campaign: what it actually costs
• Fundraising strategies that fit your style and network
• Managing cash flow and tracking your progress

You’ll leave with a practical, step-by-step campaign plan—plus real-world advice from women who’ve led successful local campaigns and know what it takes to win. Come ready to lead with purpose, and leave ready to run with confidence.

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Thinking about running for office? You can make a difference!

Start by registering for 2025 Campaign School.