Intro to Campaign School
Join us IN-PERSON on October 5, 2025
Ever thought about running for office but not sure where to start?
Think you’re “not qualified enough” to run for office?
Just curious about how politics really works?
Equal Voice has got you covered!
Join us in-person for a FREE introduction to our Campaign School — the ultimate crash course for aspiring changemakers, campaigners, and future political leaders!
This is an exclusive sneak peek into our NATIONALLY renowned campaign school programming, where you’ll:
🎤 Hear from top-tier expert speakers: with real-world experience in government, media, campaigning, and navigating high-stakes political moments.
📝 Govern & Campaign: learn the skills to campaign and govern — from the realities of running a campaign, from nomination papers to door-knocking, to making real change once you're in office.
🤝 Network with like-minded change-makers: connect, collaborate, and build relationships with peers and mentors who share your passion.
Whether you're thinking about running for office, supporting a campaign, or just love politics, this FREE event is your gateway into the world of strategy, policy-making, media mastery, and leadership.
Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. Bring your questions. Leave inspired.
WHAT IS CAMPAIGN SCHOOL?
Our campaign schools give 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 of all ages, all backgrounds, and all levels of education. All you need is a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn.
Think you’re “not qualified enough” to run for office?
Just curious about how politics really works?
Equal Voice has got you covered!
Join us in-person for a FREE introduction to our Campaign School — the ultimate crash course for aspiring changemakers, campaigners, and future political leaders!
This is an exclusive sneak peek into our NATIONALLY renowned campaign school programming, where you’ll:
🎤 Hear from top-tier expert speakers: with real-world experience in government, media, campaigning, and navigating high-stakes political moments.
📝 Govern & Campaign: learn the skills to campaign and govern — from the realities of running a campaign, from nomination papers to door-knocking, to making real change once you're in office.
🤝 Network with like-minded change-makers: connect, collaborate, and build relationships with peers and mentors who share your passion.
Whether you're thinking about running for office, supporting a campaign, or just love politics, this FREE event is your gateway into the world of strategy, policy-making, media mastery, and leadership.
Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. Bring your questions. Leave inspired.
WHAT IS CAMPAIGN SCHOOL?
Our campaign schools give 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 of all ages, all backgrounds, and all levels of education. All you need is a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn.
Location
Ottawa Public Library (Main)
Room B125
120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5M2
Room B125
120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5M2
Date & Time
IN-PERSON
October 5, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
October 5, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
COST
Free for ALL ages & light refreshments will be served
Eligibility Requirements
Exclusively for Women & Gender-Diverse Participants ONLY
(All Ages Welcome!)
(All Ages Welcome!)
Programming Schedule
12:30 pM
12:45 PM
1:30 PM
2:15-2:30 PM
2:30 PM
3:15 PM
Registration & Check-in
Check in, enjoy some light refreshments, and take the opportunity to network before our official programming begins at 12:45 PM. Meet the Equal Voice team, including our Interim Executive Director, Lindsay Brumwell.
Coffee with Councillor Theresa Kavanagh: Real Talk on Local Issues
Discover the inner workings of municipal government in a moderated conversation with Theresa Kavanagh, City Councillor for Ward 7 (Bay). With a rich background in public service—including roles in the federal government, as a school board trustee, and now in municipal politics—Councillor Kavanagh brings valuable insights into civic leadership and community engagement. The discussion will be followed by an open audience Q&A.
About
Theresa Kavanagh was first elected to City Council in 2018. She was named the first City Council Liaison on Women and Gender Equity and oversaw the creation and implementation of the report on Women and Gender Equity for the City of Ottawa. She now serves as the Council Liaison for the Older Adult Advisory Committee alongside Councillor Hubley. Read more Councillor Kavanagh here.
Run the Race: How to Run a Campaign with Ellen Kuschnik
Running a political campaign is no small feat—from filing nomination papers and building a strong team, to knocking on doors and turning community support into votes.
Join Ellen Kuschnik as she shares insights from her experience managing successful political campaigns. With a wealth of knowledge from the campaign trail to Parliament Hill, Ellen has worked on key federal files, including Indigenous Services and Public Safety. This is a valuable opportunity to learn what it really takes to run—and win—a campaign.
Join Ellen Kuschnik as she shares insights from her experience managing successful political campaigns. With a wealth of knowledge from the campaign trail to Parliament Hill, Ellen has worked on key federal files, including Indigenous Services and Public Safety. This is a valuable opportunity to learn what it really takes to run—and win—a campaign.
About
Ellen Kuschnik is an accomplished public affairs and policy professional with experience across federal government and national organizations. Ellen currently serves as Public Affairs & Policy Manager at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA). Prior to this, she held senior roles in the federal government, including Senior Policy Advisor at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Director of Parliamentary Affairs to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and served as Policy Advisor to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Wellness & Networking Break
Take a moment to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and take the opportunity to connect with others in the room.
Facing Mark Carney: A Fireside Chat with Barbara Bal, CPC Candidate for Nepean
Join us for an engaging fireside chat with Barbara Bal, the Conservative candidate for Nepean in the most recent federal election. Barbara will share her personal journey into politics—from what inspired her to run, to the realities of securing a nomination, building a campaign team, and running against Prime Minister Mark Carney in the race to represent Nepean.
About
Barbara Bal was the Conservative Candidate for Nepean for the 45th General Election. Barbara brings a lifetime of dedicated service to Canadians and Ottawa residents to the riding of Nepean. She has served as a reserve member of the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) for a decade and then as a public safety professional for over 25 years. During that time, she has had the opportunity to meet with residents across the city and learn about what matters most to you. Read more about Barbara Bal here.
About
Barbara Bal was the Conservative Candidate for Nepean for the 45th General Election. Barbara brings a lifetime of dedicated service to Canadians and Ottawa residents to the riding of Nepean. She has served as a reserve member of the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) for a decade and then as a public safety professional for over 25 years. During that time, she has had the opportunity to meet with residents across the city and learn about what matters most to you. Read more about Barbara Bal here.
Communicate with Confidence: A Media Masterclass with Megan Buttle
Struggling to tell your story in 100 characters or less? Unsure how to make an impact on social media—or how to even get started? Worried about-facing tough questions on live radio or during an interview?
Join seasoned communications strategist Megan Buttle for an interactive and practical media masterclass designed to help you build confidence, refine your message, and navigate media moments like a pro. Whether you're preparing for the campaign trail, an interview, or a viral post, this session will give you the tools to own your narrative and communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Join seasoned communications strategist Megan Buttle for an interactive and practical media masterclass designed to help you build confidence, refine your message, and navigate media moments like a pro. Whether you're preparing for the campaign trail, an interview, or a viral post, this session will give you the tools to own your narrative and communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact.
About
Megan Buttle is President, Data, Digital and Design at Earnscliffe Strategies, overseeing opinion research, digital and creative services for the firm. For the past several years, Megan has built and led digital and public affairs teams that specialize in digital campaigns and tools, including the integration of AI and advanced audience targeting methodology through paid and organic media. Megan is the former President of the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC). She is currently an instructor with the Carleton University Masters of Political Management (MPM) program. Read more about Megan Buttle here.