Ever thought about running for office but not sure where to start?
Passionate about creating real change in the systems around you?
Already a community leader, ready to take the next step?
Think you’re “not qualified enough” to run for office?
Just curious about how politics really works?
Equal Voice has got you covered!
- Your Fast-Track Guide to Political Engagement
- Virtual and In-person Learning
- Exclusive Guest Speakers & Events
- Network and connect with a diverse community of women and gender-diverse, politics and policy enthusiasts
WHAT IS CAMPAIGN SCHOOL?
Our campaign school gives you the knowledge, tools, and resources to take that first step into politics — federal, provincial, municipal, or hey, even head of the PTA. Whatever level you’re aiming for, our courses will leave you ready to lead with the confidence, skills, and vision to create the change you want to see in your community.
REQUIREMENTS
Are you a woman, non-binary, or gender-diverse individual? Then you’re in! Equal Voice welcomes people from all walks of life, all ages, all backgrounds, and all levels of education. All you need is a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn.
DID YOU KNOW?
30% of women are interested in political involvement but aren’t politically engaged.
48% of visible minorities, including women, express interest in running for public office.
Over 50% of young women (under the age of 29) would consider running if they understood the process better.
Our campaign schools offer the best of both worlds — virtual and in-person learning.
Virtual: October 28, 2025 @ 5pm - 7pm MDT on ZOOM
Virtual: October 30, 2025 @ 5pm - 7pm MDT on ZOOM
In-person (Calgary): November 1, 2025 @ 10:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Location: Calgary Public Library, Meeting Room 2 - Memorial Park (1221 2 St SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 1N8)
In-person (Edmonton): November 2, 2025 @ 10:00am - 2:30pm MDT
Location: Edmonton Public Library - Stanley A. Milner (Downtown, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2V5)
Please note: You only need to attend ONE in-person session in the city of your choice.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our campaign school programs, curated by political and policy experts, guide you through hands-on virtual and in-person learning on everything you need to understand the political process and launch your own campaign. We teach you strategies on:
1. Know Your Story
- Explore your “why” and embrace your backstory
- Where do you want to make your impact?
- What are you priorities?
2. Getting Started
- How to put your name forward for a nomination
- Navigating party rules, nomination contests, and deadlines
- Understanding the legal and ethical requirements of running
3. Building Your Team
- Recruiting a campaign manager, volunteers, and advisors
- Defining roles and responsibilities
- Building trust and team culture under pressure
4. Crafting Your Platform
- Identifying key issues in your community
- Framing your message to connect with voters’ values
5. Campaign Strategy
- Setting goals, timelines, and milestones
- Voter targeting and data management
- Developing a field plan and communications plan
6. Outreach & Engagement
- Door-to-door canvassing best practices
- Phone banking and text banking
- How to use social media to spread your ideas
7. Fundraising & Budgeting
- Building a campaign budget and war chest
- Fundraising strategies and events
- Compliance with fundraising laws
8. Media & Public Speaking
- How to handle interviews and debates
- Writing speeches and soundbites
- Managing difficult questions or attacks
9. GOTV (Get Out the Vote)
- Organizing election day
- Volunteer coordination
- Turn support into ballots
AND SO MUCH MORE!
The program is free to participate, and includes a comprehensive digital workbook, two virtual sessions, and one in-person session in the city of your choice (Calgary or Edmonton). The in-person session includes breakfast, snacks, lunch, and fun networking activities with your classmates.
Equal Voice is a national, politically neutral, registered charity that has worked to improve gender representation in Canadian politics for over 24 years. As a non-partisan organization, we conduct research, advocate to governments, and provide leadership training to increase political participation at all levels of government. We never endorse candidates, political parties, or legislation — ever! Instead, we empower women and gender-diverse individuals through education, training, research, and networking to chart their own path. Our initiatives give them the skills and tools they need to successfully run for office.