Have You Thought About Running?

We need your voice at the township, county and school board tables.

Municipal elections are in October 2026. If you’ve ever thought about running for council, mayor, or school board, this is where to start. The Wellington County Municipal Campaign School helps women and members of equity-seeking groups across the county, from Puslinch to Wellington North, learn what it takes to run and win. We are volunteer-run and part of a province-wide network of campaign schools.

Join us at one or all of our upcoming events.

Guelph Municipal Campaign School

Saturday, February 7 | Guelph | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

A full day of workshops to help candidates and their teams learn about the nomination process, rules about fundraising, and how to develop a campaign platform and strategy. Topics include navigating nominations, building your campaign plan, communications strategies, and developing your message. In-person at Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street. Open to candidates from across the region. $25 registration fee (includes lunch). Register here.

Wellington County Campaign School Launch

Wednesday, February 18 | Online | 7pm

Learn what it takes to set your campaign up for success. A video from author Carol Merton on her book Run: Launch a Breakthrough Municipal Campaign, followed by a conversation with MP Dominique O’Rourke on what she learned as a two-term municipal councillor in Guelph. You will leave with a clearer picture of what running actually looks like and questions to help you decide if it is right for you.

This is a Zoom meeting, not a webinar, so participants can see each other. If you are still in the thinking stage and prefer to stay anonymous, feel free to keep your camera off and change your display name. No explanation needed. Focused on candidates in Wellington County. Register here.

Run Where You Are

Tuesday, February 24 | Online | 7 pm

From the Municipal Campaign School Collective | A province-wide virtual session for women and equity-seeking groups considering a run for municipal office. Registration open soon.

Allies In Action

Tuesday, March 24 | Online | 7pm

In partnership with Four Simple Words | A session for men and allies on how we can better support women candidates. Featuring Michael Kaufman, author of The Time Has Come. With Michael and Four Simple Words mattering lead Lakhdeep Singh, we will explore what it actually looks like to help a woman run and win. This session is about showing up and asking what she needs, not assuming you know. Open to men and allies across Ontario. As pre-reading, participants are invited to order a copy of Michael’s book The Male Ally Handbook. Register here.

Leveraging AI for Your Campaign

Wednesday, April 15 | Online | 7pm

In partnership with Four Simple Words | A conversation with experienced campaign manager Sean Yo about practical, hands-on guidance for using AI tools to organize and amplify your municipal campaign. Learn how to think about AI as more than a writing tool. Open to candidates across Ontario. Registration open soon.

Wellington Campaign School Office hours

Thursday Evenings | Online | 7pm

Monthly drop-in sessions on Zoom with experienced municipal candidates and campaign volunteers. We can chat about the topics below or talk through whatever is on your mind. No prep required. Focused on candidates in Wellington County. Join us for one or all sessions on Zoom. Registration open soon.

Watch our free training videos

See our list of resources

Some Progress In Wellington. But Not Enough.

Stay in touch

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)