Join The Jean Collective as we host experienced women and men who are passionate about women serving in government. Learn from their experiences by listening to their stories and having your questions answered directly from those who had lived the political life. Let their experience inspire you!  More to come here!

Watch past videos of our panels on  Our YouTube Channel 

A virtual workshop series developed by women, for women. The workshops will provide participants with the foundational skills to claim their place in politics and thus effect change. Sessions 2 through 9 - $10 each. See links below with each session.

Session 1 (January 2021) - Understanding Municipal Government 

Facilitated by Brian White, Sarnia City Councillor, and Lambton County Councillor & Jackie Rombouts, Mayor, Twp. of Warwick, and Lambton County Councillor.

Before anyone can decide on whether to run for office, it is important they understand what they are getting themselves into. In this session, participants will understand how to become active participants in municipal government, and what is in involved once elected.   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-1-understanding-municipal-government-how-it-works-tickets-130628807279

Session 2 (February 2021) So, You Are Thinking of Running for Office, What Now? $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Helen Lomax, Owner, Pathways & Transitions

Elected officials often face scrutiny and must be able to work well under pressure. In this session, participants will learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses, and how to utilize those strengths and improve their weaknesses.    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-2-so-you-are-thinking-of-running-for-office-what-now-tickets-134267474631?ref=estw 

Session 3 (March 2021) - What is Your Why? How to Identify Your Purpose, Cause, and Platform and Build Your Support System. $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Marika Sylvain Groendyk, Owner, Bluepoint Public Relations

When campaigning, it is important to have a strong foundation that aligns with a candidate’s goals should they be elected. This session will assist each participant in identifying their purpose and reason for becoming involved in politics, and how to relay this into a platform. Participants will also learn how to build a support system to help get them through the triumphs and challenges candidates experience during a run for office.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-3-what-is-your-why-how-to-identify-your-purpose-cause-platform-tickets-134267940023

Session 4 (April 2021) Know Your Story - $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Brian Maxfield, President, Online & Digital Education Academy

Candidates need an “elevator speech” to help them develop the story that will inspire others to support them, work for them, and vote for them. In this session, participants will explore the reasons behind their decision to get involved in politics and develop and learn how to communicate their story with others.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-4-know-your-story-develop-your-elevator-speech-tickets-134268515745

Session 5 (May 2021)  - Why Not You? Overcoming Barriers in Municipal Government and Becoming a Self-Advocate. $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Carol-Lynn Chambers, Professor, Western University

Women in politics face unique challenges and it is important that they are adequately prepared to advocate for themselves and constituents to reduce systemic barriers. It is also essential that women who serve in politics understand how to successfully navigate a male-dominated space where they may experience intimidation and harassment. In this session, participants will learn how to self-advocate and speak up for themselves and others by making sure that people know their needs and interests. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-5-why-not-you-overcoming-barriers-in-municipal-government-tickets-134268780537

Session 6 (September 2021) Developing and Enhancing Your Skill Set -$10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Lisa Isaac, Owner, Lisa Isaac HR Professional Services Communication and interpersonal abilities, amongst other skills, are essential to those running for, and servicing in office. In this session, participants will learn the importance of effective communication, how to utilize tools that have the greatest impact, how to positively share ideas to maximize support, how to market themselves, and how to develop a personal brand. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-6-developing-and-enhancing-your-skill-set-tickets-134269133593

Session 7 (October 2020) Raising Your Profile Part 1 (Voters) $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Marika Sylvain Groendyk, Owner, Bluepoint Public Relations Engaging with voters through various channels is essential to a successful campaign. Developing consistent messaging and how a candidate presents themself to the public is an important part of connecting with the community. In this session, participants will learn how to develop a communications plan to increase their visibility with voters both online and in person. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-7-raising-your-profile-with-voters-tickets-134269322157

Session 8 (November 2021) -Raising Your Profile Part 2 (in the Media) $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Marika Sylvain Groendyk, Owner, Bluepoint Public Relations Many people are uncomfortable with public speaking, especially if they are being asked hard questions and being recorded by members of the press.

Continuing our learning from Session 7, participants will receive media training to prepare them to navigate media interviews. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-8-part-2-raising-your-profile-in-the-media-tickets-134269544823

Session 9 (December 2021) Personal Growth - Being an Elected Councillor can be Challenging. What Do We Need to Cope? $10 on Eventbrite

Facilitated by Helen Lomax, Owner, Pathways & Transitions

Maintaining a positive work-life balance while serving in government, balancing both a public and private life, presents a unique challenge. In this session, participants will learn how to balance the demands of public life with their work and home life.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/session-9-personal-growth-being-an-elected-councillor-how-to-cope-tickets-134269673207

Session 10 – Part 1 (February 2022) Understanding Municipal Government & How it Works

Facilitated by Brian White, Sarnia City Councillor, and Lambton County Councillor & Jackie Rombouts, Mayor, Twp. of Warwick, and Lambton County Councillor

This is an advanced version of Session 1. In this session, participants will go in deep to understand how to become an active participant in municipal government, learn how to delegate, how to join a committee of council, and how to participate in public engagement opportunities.

Session 10- Part 2 (March 2022)

Understanding & Working with the Municipal Act

Dianne Brown, Former Sarnia City Clerk

This advanced training will prepare participants for the roles of Councillor and Mayor. In this session participants will develop an understanding of how municipal government works within provincial legislation such as the Municipal Act.

Session 10- Part 3 (April 2022)

Conducting Meetings- Robert’s Rules of Order

Facilitated by James Jenkins, Director of Operations, Walpole Island

Successful meetings depend on a person’s understanding of protocol and how to ensure their voice is being heard. In this session, participants will learn the process and procedures to conduct and participate in successful meetings, and how Robert’s Rules help give meetings structure by providing a proven process to follow during meetings.