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Celebrating Volunteer Week: Empowering Women in Politics through Volunteerism
As Canada celebrates National Volunteer Week this month, we are reminded of the power of volunteerism in shaping communities, lives, and futures. This year of elections, we urge Saskatchewanians to channel their volunteer spirit into an especially impactful avenue: supporting women candidates and nominees pursuing political office.
Political offices, from school boards and municipalities to band councils and the provincial legislature, play a crucial role in our democratic process and directly affect our quality of life. Yet, underrepresentation of women in these spaces persists, creating a need for balance that mirrors our society more accurately. Supporting women in politics through volunteer work strengthens their campaigns and contributes to creating a more inclusive, representative democratic landscape.
Volunteering in political campaigns is an exciting mix of grassroots organizing, community engagement, and the dynamic pace of political life. Volunteers can engage in a variety of roles, including canvassing, event planning, digital campaigning, and mobilizing voters on election day, each essential for steering a campaign’s direction and possibility of success.
Why focus on women candidates? The answer lies not only in the pursuit of equality but in the tangible benefits that gender-balanced leadership brings. Research shows that women’s participation in political discourse often leads to more comprehensive, collaborative, cost-effective and community-centric outcomes. The perspectives and experiences women bring to policymaking are invaluable, benefiting all citizens.
Plus, volunteering for women makes a strong statement against the unique challenges they face in politics, such as sexism, lack of mentorship, and unequal access to political financing. By volunteering, you contribute to breaking down these barriers, one campaign at a time.
During this month’s Volunteer Week, we invite you to engage with your community, empower, and support those women aspiring to serve in public office. Whether supporting a candidate for the local school board or provincial office, your skills and time can make a profound difference.
Equal Voice believes in the power and promise of equal representation. And we invite you to join us in this mission—consider volunteering for a woman candidate in your community this election season!
To all potential and current volunteers: your enthusiasm, skills, and time are the most valuable resources a campaign can have. Remember Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
For those ready to dive into political volunteerism, Equal Voice is here to connect you with training and information. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every voice is at the table.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Brumwell, Founder of LB Strategies, a Saskatoon-based public relations and strategic planning firm and serves as a Director on the Board of the Equal Voice Foundation.
