Particip8

 International Women’s Day 2010

Equal Voice launches Particip8 

On March 8, 2010, EV NCR launched Particip8: encouraging local discussions surrounding women in politics.  This initiative is part of a broader action campaign entitled “Be her or Support her,” where women are encouraged to seek elected office or support other women to do so. 

The day included eight breakfasts, dinners, cocktail hours or coffee breaks held simultaneously at 8:00 am or 8:00 pm. 

EV NCR Events Chair Jen Hunter provided us with a summary of how EV NCR's dinner went at the Wellington: 

Last night at the Wellington Gastropub, 16 extraordinary women came together in a lovely restaurant to explore each other and the many ways we are creating the kind of society we want to live in together.  It was a wonderful celebration - full of joy and energy, ideas and questions, lively exchange, connections made as well as numerous ideas shared, explored and some even put into play. 

There were women just graduating from University, women who are business people, internal change agents, board members, civil servants, not-for-profit leaders, lead of a foundation that invests in women and girls, graduates of Leadership Ottawa, Executive Director of a Business Improvement Area, leaders of Equal Voice, candidates and a woman elected to serve!  It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in a heart to heart about how can women bring our power, vision, passion and energy to this country through politics and what help is needed for this to happen. 

One idea which popped into the conversation was based on creating a connection between Equal Voice and Girl Guides. A possibility emerged that we could create an Equal Voice badge.

Here is some feedback from the successful event:

"You are fabulous! We are fabulous! The evening was a brilliant extravaganza of joy, thought, wisdom, knowledge, passion, culture, conversations, love, and excellent food in the company of powerful and creative women."

"What we did last night was make 16 connections that bring us all closer to making the positive changes we seek to make. Bravo et merci!" – Sherri

"Thanks Jen for a celebratory gathering of great women! A lovely way to connect and bring forth the spirit that would be so beneficial to infuse politics with.  I honour your commitment to a new way of engaging in politics – inspiring." – Julie

"Thanks Jen, for hosting a great evening. What an inspiring group of women you gathered together! It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and to reconnect with others." – Hilary

For more information, please see our Press Release.