Apply for Prepare Her
Prepare Her is a multi-module, hands-on training program that helps potential candidates learn the foundational skills and strengthen leadership and governance skills to execute a successful campaign. It is intended as a safe space for women from all backgrounds and experiences to learn, network and grow.
The program explores a range of topics including understanding how municipal government works and how public policy is developed, managing your personal brand and media presence, fundraising, recruiting your campaign team and more. Explore individual modules below.
Applicant Eligibility
Those who identify as women
An ideal candidate would be interested in running for the 2021 municipal election or really passionate about civic engagement (Note that you do not have to run in 2021 to apply)
Demonstrable professional and/or volunteer experience in civil service, private sector, not-for-profit organizations, community associations, or other relevant fields
Strive for a cohort representative of the Calgary community, providing the opportunity for women with Indigenous, visible minority, racialized, and LGBTQ2+ backgrounds to participate in the program
What You’ll Learn
As a Prepare Her candidate, you will:
Build a solid and informed foundation to run a successful campaign.
Access experiential learning opportunities to practice and apply your new skills.
Learn from experts and leaders who have proven results in their area of expertise.
Connect with other female leaders build a strong network of support.
Schedule
Jan 15: Applications Open
Feb 10: Applications Close
Mar 6: Program Kick Off with Cohort Participants (Virtual Call)
March 12: Launch & Evening Reception
March 14-15: Building Your Foundation (Why Are You Running?)
March 28: Discover Municipal Government
April 18: Demystifying Public Policy
April 19: Public Speaking Training
May 9: Media & Social Media
May 30-May 31: Campaign 101
June 13: Fundraising
July 11: Program Close (Virtual Call)
Curriculum
Module #1: Building Your Foundation (Why Are You Running?)
Date: March 14-15
Starting with an Indigenous Opening Circle, you will learn to articulate your purpose for running for City Council, understand the issues, your position on those issues. End the day by creating your own personal learning and development goals and objectives.
Module #2: Discovering Municipal Government
Date: March 28
Learn how City Council works, understand complex issues within our local government, and learn about its policy approval process.
Module #3: Public Policy
Date: April 18
Learn directly from policy experts to learn how to review and assess policy.
Module #4: Public Speaking
Date: April 19
Become a better public speaker and hone your presentation skills through this hands-on training!
Module #5: Media & Social Media
Date: May 9
Learn about the landscape of both traditional and social media. Draft key messages on a specific issue and practice doing a media interview. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of social media, how to craft a powerful online presence and how to cope with online harassment and bullying.
Module #6: Campaign 101
Date: May 30-31
Learn how to build your campaign team from veteran campaign managers and former candidates. You’ll learn about campaign activities, practice door knocking, and more.
Module #7: Fundraising
Date: June 13
Learn about fundraising strategy, how to craft your pitch and then you’ll get the opportunity to practice your pitch to raise money!
Apply for Prepare Her
Application Process
Submit an online application between January 15 and February 10.
Ask Her will review your application against the eligibility criteria. If further information is required, we will reach out for a possible 15-30 min call regarding your interest and application (February 11-19).
You will receive a notice of whether or not you will attend Prepare Her no later than February 25.
If you are attending, you will receive registration information and our social contract, to officially become a Prepare Her attendee. Please note the commitment dates:
March 6: Virtual kick-off call with Prepare Her attendees
March 12: Launch evening reception - public event with Ask Her community
March 14-15: Module 1 - Building Your Foundation
March 28: Module 2 - Discovering Municipal Government
April 18: Module 3 - Public Policy
April 19: Module 4 - Public speaking
May 9: Module 5 - Media & Social Media
May 30-31: Module 6 - Campaign 101
June 13: Module 7 - Fundraising
July 11: Virtual call: closing and learning
Are you ready? City Council needs more capable women leaders like you. You have the opportunity to positively impact your city and be a change-maker within Council. Get prepared. Get equipped. Get empowered.
Can We Count You In?
Know a woman leader in your area who should run? Ask her! Share this information with her.