Campaign College 2021
Participant Testimonials

Full Testimonials

Campaign College is a diversity-accelerator.

Anne Malone

“I attended Equal Voice’s Campaign College in the Spring of 2021 as I was preparing to run as a candidate-at-large in the City of St. John’s. I have a sensory disability, had no political experience, and was entering the political arena st the age of 64.

My platform centered on Disability Justice as it relates to urban design, climate emergency plans, inclusive housing, etc. I had a clear vision for an accessible, sustainable city, but needed to figure out how to re-imagine what a campaign looks like when candidate is blind.

In light of the multiple barriers before me, Campaign College was definitely an animating factor in my approach to my campaign in, my self-confidence, and the value of running for office whether you win or not. Each guest speaker shared generously and candidly of their lived experiences in the world of politics, in a virtual environment that created a sense of solidarity and intimacy that generated many profound and memorable moments.

Campaign College is a diversity-accelerator. I encourage everyone, especially those who aspire to represent a marginalized community, to experience the educational and relational support that will elevate your ideas of what is possible for you as a marginalized person.”

Do it! you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Laurabel Mba

“I had the pleasure of attending Campaign College in 2021 and it was one of the best experiences of the year.

Getting the opportunity to be surrounded by so many women who are interested in making a positive impact on society, cannot be stated enough. I was able to build a community of people with different skill sets, who were willing to support the advancement of women in politics was also a true blessing.

The lessons learned are not only applicable to potential life in politics but overall to life in general. You will learn so much not only about the electoral system but about what you can do; you will build so much self-confidence that can be applied to any field you find yourself in.

For anyone who is thinking of participating this year, I say, “Do it! you have nothing to lose and everything to gain”. I say this not only because it’s inspiring to see other women in this position but as a Black woman who doesn’t see a lot of representation for minorities within the political system as well this is something that gives you the push to do more.”

This has been one of the most accepting and accommodating educational groups that I have experienced.

Saadia Azam

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate in Campaign College 2021. I was interested in the political scene for some time, but aside from taking lengthy courses, I wasn’t sure how I would gain more knowledge and insight into the workings of politics.

At a relatively low cost (especially compared to post-secondary courses) EVNL provided many resources, including bringing in guest speakers who talked about their experiences and answered our questions about their lives and paths in politics as non-binary people and women. This has been one of the most accepting and accommodating educational groups that I have experienced. Each session I left with new knowledge and was eager for the next.

With modules covering aspects from building your team, barriers, to budgets, this program is great for those who wish to learn more about the political structure in Canada (municipal, provincial, and federal), and those who wish to pursue, or help others pursue a political career.”

I’m also showing my daughters they can do anything they put their minds to.

Valerie Barter

“I was delighted and honoured to attend the last Campaign College, offered by Equal Voice NL. My favourite part about campaign college was meeting such amazing strong leaders in our province and country, listening to everyone’s stories and journeys towards leadership.

It’s such a wonderful opportunity to ask questions get answers, and find support from other fabulous women doing such important work in our communities, whether you are looking to run for election or finding a seat at the table that you so much belong to.

I’d highly recommend Campaign College for any woman or gender diverse individual who is considering running for election – municipal, provincial or federal – it really gets you engaged and eager for your campaign.

I’m also showing my daughters they can do anything they put their minds to.”

Campaign College breaks down some of the scariest parts of elected politics into things you might be able to see yourself in en route towards social change.

Isabel Ojeda

“Attending Campaign College gave me the opportunity to ask some of the more logistical questions that are so often underestimated in conversations about changing what our politicians look like. Things like how do you become a candidate, how you find a campaign manager, how are election campaigns funded, are things that sound like common sense but have become kind of a hidden secret for those who don’t fit the mould of white and wealthy.

The opportunity to build community, reflect on what the tangible barriers are to governance and hear from women and marginalized genders who are interested in politics and also queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, migrants, etc was invaluable.

Regardless if you necessarily see yourself as a future legislator, Campaign College breaks down some of the scariest parts of elected politics into things you might be able to see yourself in en route towards social change.

These are skills I brought with me to roles within the student movement as MUNSU’s 2022-23 Director of Campaigns when doing government lobbying and planning campaigns and actions for the members I represent.”

I hope to see more marginalized voices in leadership spaces, and I believe this program is a beneficial opportunity for professional development for folks interested in a variety of roles that intersect with political systems.

Jennifer Snow

“Campaign College is so great for women and gender diverse folks with an interest in politics. I hope to see more marginalized voices in leadership spaces, and I believe this program is a beneficial opportunity for professional development for folks interested in a variety of roles that intersect with political systems.

This course will introduce you to a phenomenal and diverse network of professionals working in the political ecosystem. The sessions are highly engaging, inclusive and well organized, and the shared passion among attendees and organizers and guest speakers was really energizing.

After my experience in Campaign College 2021 I joined the Equal Voice NL Leadership Team. I am thrilled to be working with the community of women and gender diverse folks on this incredible program!”

A political campaign is a massive undertaking, but Campaign College helps break it down into manageable sections so you know exactly what to expect and how to pull together a smooth-running campaign.

Heather Elliott

“Campaign College was an incredible experience, and I can’t recommend it enough if you or someone you know is thinking of a future in politics. When I enrolled, it wasn’t just for my own knowledge and personal ambitions, but also to support my husband in his federal campaign.

A political campaign is a massive undertaking, but Campaign College helps break it down into manageable sections so you know exactly what to expect and how to pull together a smooth-running campaign. It covers everything from how to be an Official Agent (something that ended up being really important for me) to fundraising, canvassing, marketing, and picking who you want on your team.

Two pieces of advice: 1) being an Official Agent is harder than you think, but it’s not impossible; 2) having completed Campaign College comes in extra handy if the election is called and Election Day falls two days after your wedding.”

It was inspiring to hear how they overcame the difficult obstacles that they were faced with, as well as here the advice they had for future leaders to put themselves out there!

Elea Stephenson

“Attending Campaign College was a great opportunity to hear from the incredible individuals who have put themselves out there running in various electoral positions. It was inspiring to hear how they overcame the difficult obstacles that they were faced with, as well as here the advice they had for future leaders to put themselves out there!”

Campaign College provided a space to find solidarity amongst women & gender diverse folks keen on making systems change.

Meghan Hollett

“Campaign College provided a space to find solidarity amongst women & gender diverse folks keen on making systems change. It provided structure, helpful literature & local context to being a part of campaigns. I’m glad I participated!”

Campaign College not only made all the difference in my decision to run, it also reaffirmed my belief in the necessity of diverse and progressive voices to be at all decision making tables.

Nicole Kieley

“Equal Voice NL’s Campaign College not only made all the difference in my decision to run, it also reaffirmed my belief in the necessity of diverse and progressive voices to be at all decision making tables. Our communities, province and future has everything to gain from equality.”

Campaign College was such a wonderful launching pad for my start in municipal politics.

Jess Puddister

“Campaign College was such a wonderful launching pad for my start in municipal politics. Hearing from women and non-binary politicians and past candidates in a safe, private space where we could all be very real with each other was a gift.

Running for office is a huge undertaking that requires vulnerability. I found that the support of the Equal Voice NL community really counterbalanced so many of the worries and unknowns that are part of anyone’s first run. All the gratitude to the organizers!”

It deepened my volunteer practice, and I began taking on [more] risks by speaking on panels and doing presentations on subjects I am passionate about

Cassondra Murray

“Through Equal Voice NL’s Campaign College, I felt inspired to get more active in their community and take on more leadership roles. I started taking on board positions and joining advisory groups. It deepened my volunteer practice, and I began taking on [more] risks by speaking on panels and doing presentations on subjects I am passionate about.”

Campaign College really helped build confidence that I didn’t feel existed in my body and it made me think that I CAN do this, I deserve it, and I should follow my dream.

Sandra Milmore

“I would like to start off by saying that this was a big leap for me personally, to even imagine that I would even consider doing something like this. I didn’t know what to expect or what would be expected of me while signing up for this. To say I was nervous was an understatement.

When we first went online and I saw that I was probably the oldest women there, I felt like I was in way over my head. What would I be able to contribute to this at my age and no experience whatsoever? Well, let’s just say, I quickly learned otherwise, that there were lessons to be learned and great conversations to be had.

Equal Voice NL prepared us well for the adventure we were considering taking on political life. Through their comprehensive lessons, which were well planned and on point with what we should expect and how to handle the situation in front of us. The lessons, the advice, conversations, sharing of ideas and experiences on these on line meetings were phenomenal. The sharing of ideas and experiences would leave you thinking, ‘Oh my God, I know what she means, I get it.’ The guest speakers were inspiring, their advice, amazing and sharing of their experiences were so empowering. You left the meeting with hope and feeling inspired by these truly amazing women.

Campaign College really helped build confidence that I didn’t feel existed in my body and it made me think that I CAN do this, I deserve it, and I should follow my dream.

I can’t thank Equal Voice NL enough for giving me the opportunity to participate in this Campaign College as well as the encouraging advice and sharing conversations with such powerful, diverse, beautiful, strong ladies.”