Building a Healthy Democracy: Engaging Communities Together

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Jean Talks: Building a Healthier Democracy, Together

By Helen Cole

At The Jean Collective, we believe that a healthy democracy starts at the local level — in our towns, around our kitchen tables, and in the conversations, we have with each other. It’s about more than elections. It’s about feeling connected, informed, and heard.

That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Healthy Democracy Project — an initiative born from a desire to reimagine what local democratic engagement can look like in our communities. Together, we’re asking: How do we bring people back to the table? How do we rebuild trust in one another — and in the process of democracy itself?

What We’re Working Toward

Our committee has set some bold and exciting goals:

  • Host an All-Candidates Meeting in Sarnia ahead of the 2026 municipal election — not just another debate, but a space for real conversation and accessibility.
  • Build strategic partnerships with other organizations, educators, and community leaders who believe in civic engagement.
  • Create a name and identity for this work — one that invites people in and reflects our values of inclusion, listening, and action.

This work is just beginning, and it’s rooted in the belief that a healthy democracy depends on informed citizens, open dialogue, and shared purpose.

Meet Our New Chair: Katie Garrett

I’m thrilled to share that Katie Garrett is stepping in as Chair of our Healthy Democracy Committee. Katie is an incredible community builder with a real passion for creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. She brings strong experience from her work with Intersex Canada as Project Coordinator, and her time at Egale Canada as Community Engagement Officer, where she’s led powerful efforts to connect and empower communities across the country.

With a background in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and specialized training in Immigration and Refugee Mental Health, Katie understands — deeply — how systems, stories, and communities intersect. She knows the value of dialogue, the strength of diversity, and the power of showing up for one another.

Katie brings fresh energy, care, and a collaborative spirit to this role. I’m beyond excited to work alongside her — and I know her leadership will help shape something meaningful.

What Comes Next

In the months ahead, we’ll be reaching out. Listening. Learning. Inviting people to join us. Whether you’re new to civic life or have been at the table for years, you belong in this work.

A healthy democracy needs all of us.

Let’s build it — together.

Why I Started The Jean Collective: A Story About Belief, Courage, and Community

Posted on by webladydee

By Helen Cole

I’ve always believed in the power of women — not just to lead, but to transform. To change conversations. To stand at the front of the room when they’ve spent years being told they belong in the back. To speak truth to power, even when their voices shake. As a matter of fact, I created my first women’s conferences called ‘Simply for Women’ around 2001 or so. Work got in the way back then, however, I am back at it again and so proud of the difference we are making with The Jean Collective!

Belief that we are better with women at the table is what led me to start The Jean Collective with special thanks to to my friends who helped me create the original collective, most especially Carrie McEachran, Julie Hillier Vrolyk, Marika Sylvain Groendyk, Lisa Isaac & Kirsty Kilner Holmes.

It didn’t happen overnight. Originally, I only wanted to be a chapter of Equal Voice but once the ball got rolling it just kept going! Starting with conversations with a selected group of friends who wanted to see more women leading in communities, with stories whispered over coffee about women who wanted to run for office — but didn’t know where to begin, or didn’t believe they belonged. I saw brilliant, capable women hesitate. I heard them say, “I don’t know enough,” or “I don’t see myself there.” And each time, I thought: What if we created a space that said, “You do belong. You are enough. Let’s get you there.”

So, in 2019, The Jean Collective was born — named for my mentor, friend and adopted Mother Jean Macdougall and those everyday women whose names aren’t always in the headlines, but who hold communities together. Women. Your neighbour. Your grandmother. Your friend. Women who don’t need the spotlight to lead, but who shine when they find it.

What began as a simple gathering has grown into something bigger than I imagined — leadership conferences, campaign schools, mentoring, storytelling, and now our latest chapter: the Healthy Democracy Project. Because I believe democracy is healthiest when more women, more voices, and more lived experiences are at the table.

This work is it’s personal. It’s a promise to my younger self, to my granddaughters and yours, and to every woman who’s ever doubted her ability to lead.

And here’s the truth: we don’t need to wait for permission. We get to build the table, invite others to join us, and pull up extra chairs.

The Jean Collective is still growing. Still evolving. Still rooted in the belief that when women lead, we all rise.

Welcome to Jean Talks. I’m so glad you’re here.

Helen Cole is the founder of The Jean Collective. She’s spent her life building stronger communities through leadership, advocacy, and heart in the non profit world.. When she’s not hosting conferences or supporting women, you’ll find her encouraging others to step forward — even if they’re unsure, even if they’re afraid — because that’s where leadership begins.