Guelph Women’s Municipal Campaign School 2026

Come learn what it takes to run for city council or school board trustee in Guelph!

Ontario is the most diverse province in Canada, and more than half our population are women. Yet as of 2022, only 23% of mayors and 32% of councillors in the province are women and reports consistently find that Ontario’s municipal councils are not representative of the diverse populations they serve. We are represented by municipal councils that are primarily white and male. We want to change that.

Despite these realities, we are represented by municipal councils that are primarily white and male. We know that when women run, they do get elected. However, we also know that fewer women than men run for office. We want to change that by encouraging women from diverse backgrounds to run for municipal office.

What's this event all about?

The Guelph Women’s Municipal Campaign School is a full day of workshops (lunch included) led by experienced and knowledgeable presenters, intended to teach you what it takes to run for an elected position in municipal government.

This school is specifically focused on teaching and encouraging women and gender-diverse people to consider running for council or school board trustee. We encourage everyone with an interest in running or supporting someone who wants to run to attend.

Topics include:

• Navigating the Nomination Process
• Building Your Campaign Plan
• Communications Strategies
• Why Are You Running: Developing Your Message

About Our Presenters

Maureen Balsillie is a political strategist and campaign manager known for historic achievements in Green Party politics. In 2023, she became the first campaign manager in Ontario history to elect a Green candidate on their first run, with a decisive victory.

Curt Hammond has spent more than 20 years building communities of service and has been involved with the Women’s Municipal Campaign School from the very beginning.

Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson is a community leader, school board trustee, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She serves as president and founder of the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association and trustee with the Upper Grand District School Board.

Kate Leatherbarrow is a City Councillor in Woodstock, Ontario. She was first elected in 2022 and is one of the lead organizers for Municipal Campaign School Oxford, empowering women and diverse voices to run for municipal office.

Tickets are limited! Sale ends February 1, 2026.

Lunch is included.

Parking at Wilson Street Parkade for $3 flat rate.

Any questions, please contact us.

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Host or Publisher Guelph Women's Municipal Campaign School 2026 team