Reaching for Power Together: A Municipal Election Campaign School

Every municipal election is a chance to build the kind of leadership our communities deserve — leadership that reflects the full diversity of the people it serves. 

Yet many people are excluded from leadership due to systemic barriers, hostile political environments, or lack of access to networks and resources.  

YWCA Hamilton’s Board proudly supports the #ElectRespect campaign, a call to create safer, more inclusive political spaces. We want to see more women, Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ people, and racialized leaders at every table where decisions are made. 

Reaching for Power Together turns this commitment into action by giving aspiring leaders the tools, networks, and confidence to step forward. 

We exist to confront systemic inequities, not to create them. 

Our vision is a future where community leadership is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Our core principles:  

Civic Value: Local Leadership matters. Decisions made closest to home shape the wellbeing of our communities. 

Civic Understanding: Everyone should understand how municipal government affects daily life, including housing, transit, safety, inclusion, and opportunity. 

Civic Action: Participation is how we create the communities we want to see. No one cares more about this place than the people who live here. 

Reaching the Power Together is not just a program; it is a statement of dignity and a practical path toward a more representative democracy. 

A full day of connection, courage, and community learning. 

Inspiring Keynote: A community leader shares what it takes to build power from the ground up. 

• Morning Workshops: Choose sessions focused on grassroots, media and messaging, leadership skills, or community advocacy. 

• Networking Lunch: Connect with peers, mentors, and changemakers. 

• Afternoon Workshops: Explore new topics, deepen skills, collaborate across communities. 

• Closing Call to Action: Reflect, connect, and commit to next steps for real-world change. 

This is where ideas become action and where hope becomes practice.

 

Agenda:

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Coffee/Light Breakfast

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Plenary Session

10:45 AM – 12:00 AM | Morning Breakout Sessions (Choose one)

• Session #1: Building Power in Your Community: Advocacy Beyond Elections
  Not everyone is interested in running for the office, and that’s perfectly fine. This session focuses on how you can create change through community-based advocacy, civic and grassroots engagement. It’s relevant for everyone but especially for newcomers, youth, and those navigating systems for the first time.
• Session #2: Sharing Resources & Winning Big
  Experience from a Council and Schoolboard Trustee Tandem Campaign. Learn how you can share messaging, volunteers and strategy to win big for multiple people.
• Session #3: Messaging That Matters: Communicating with Purpose
  Do you want to get better at communicating in ways that resonate? This session is all about crafting messages and framing issues effectively and cutting through political noise, whether you are talking face to face, online, or in the media. You will also learn practical tools for reaching disengaged and first-time voters.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch

1:00 AM – 2:15 PM: Afternoon Breakouts (Choose one)

• Session #1: Canvassing & Voter Outreach: Real Conversations, Real Impact
  From door-knocking to phone and text outreach, this workshop will break down how campaigns connect with people. You will learn how to initiate conversations, handle rejections, and build trust, all while empowering volunteers to feel confident and ready to engage.
• Session #2: Using Data in Campaigns: From Lists to Outreach
  Data doesn’t have to be intimidating! This session will introduce you to voter lists, databases, and basic targeting tools, showing you how to guide your outreach efforts, volunteer coordination, and overall campaign strategy, right up to advance voting and Election Day.
• Session #3: Fundraising for Impact
  Every campaign needs resources to thrive. This workshop will focus on how to ask for support with integrity, build meaningful relationships, share your story, and fund your initiatives through stewardship planning that keeps donors engaged and aligned with your values and your community.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Closing Session

Wrap-up, key takeaways, Call to Action

 

We welcome people who believe leadership belongs to everyone, including: 

• Members of underrepresented or marginalized communities, including racialized, newcomer, low-income, disabled, and 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. 

• Anyone underheard or underrepresented in civic or community spaces. 

• Emerging and experienced leaders, organizers, or advocates. 

• People ready to learn, connect, and build equity and resilience where they live. 

No political experience is required. 

Just a willingness to lead with care, courage, and community. 

Something for everyone: Whether you are getting involved for the first time or are a seasoned campaigner, you’ll be able to learn, build community and share your skills – plus meet others with the same goals. 

Topics may include: 

• Setting up a campaign  

• Campaign planning and calendar 

• Candidate leadership and support  

• Communications  

• Advocacy 

Full agenda and workshop details to be announced. 

1. Complete the Sign-Up Form: Tell us about your background, motivation, and what representation means to you. 
2. Attend In-Person: Join us for a day of leadership and learning. 
3. Stay Connected: Build peer relationships and connect with peers. 

We welcome and and honour all identities, across race, gender, sexuality, disability, language, and lived experience. 

Our program follows anti-oppression and anti-racism frameworks, with accommodations such as accessibility and childcare supports whenever possible. 

Our goal is simple: to create spaces where everyone can learn, lead, and belong. 

Reaching for Power is led by YWCA Hamilton, a feminist organization advancing equity and community wellbeing. 

Guided by Medora Uppal’s leadership, this work reflects YWCA Hamilton’s belief that feminist leadership is not a brand; it is a practice. 

YWCA Hamilton’s Board’s public support for #ElectRespect demonstrates that belief in action, calling for respectful campaigns, equitable representation, and safer political participation for women and gender-diverse candidates. 

“I never thought I could run for the office, but this program showed me I belong. Now I’m volunteering locally.” 

“This experience helped me find my voice — not just in politics, but in my community.”

Who can apply?
Anyone 18 or older who wants to strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills. 

Is there a cost?
Participation is free, but $20 is required to hold your spot. Accessibility supports may be available. 

YWCA Hamilton does accept support for civic engagement programs, which allows us to expand availability. 

Do I need experience?
No. This is for emerging and aspiring community leaders. 

What is the time commitment?
The campaign school runs for one full day, with optional alumni engagement afterward. 

How can I stay involved?
Graduates are invited to join our alumni network and future leadership events. 

Daniela Giulietti  

Muska Frackowiak

Support the next generation of community leaders. 

• Volunteer as a mentor or facilitator. 

• Sponsor a participant or contribute to program growth. 

• Share the opportunity within your networks.