Campaign School for Women

Campaign School

Toolkit and Online Learning

You’ve decided to run for elected office! Congratulations, and thank you! Nova Scotia needs more women like you at all levels of government.

You have a lot to offer. Each one of us can make valuable contributions to public discourse and policy in our communities.

Considering elected political leadership is one way to make your mark and bring your voice to the table. While you may encounter obstacles, barriers, and challenges throughout your political career, remember that, whether it is a skill, education, life experience, passion, or commitment, your voice can help balance public discourse and the decisions made by our elected officials.

Each module includes helpful self-assessment and reflection tools related to the module’s content. You may want to download the worksheets, as well as the module booklet, before beginning the module through the links below. You can pause and complete the worksheets when prompted during the modules, or save the worksheets until the end. Do as much or as little as you need, in whatever order makes sense for you.

Before you begin, you may find it useful to download the Campaign School Toolkit, referred to throughout the videos:

Module 1 – Deciding to Run

Nova Scotia needs more women in public and political leadership roles.

For those who have already decided to run – congratulations! This module will be helpful as you take the next steps in the process.

For those who are still considering, this module will help you to evaluate your strengths and values, contemplate the pros and cons of entering political life, and determine your brand and message.

Only you can determine if you are ready to step into elected political leadership.

Before you start, you may want to download the Module 1 tip sheets and exercises:

Module 1 tip sheets and exercises you can complete electronically:
Self-assessment exercise
Assessing your leadership skills
What you have to offer
What motivates you
What is your agenda
How will running affect your personal life
What contributes to my qualifications?
All fillable worksheets and tip sheets

If you'd like to print them, click here.

Additional resources:
Deciding to Run/ Décider de se présenter aux élections
Knowing Your Community/ Connaître votre communauté
Resources/ Ressources

Module 2 – Learning the Political Landscape

So, you have decided to run for elected office – congratulations! It is important to understand the political processes and realities, and to identify which level of government aligns with your goals and priorities.

The political landscape is complex – as a prospective candidate, it is important to understand this landscape in greater detail.

This module provides a snapshot of the different levels of government, roles and responsibilities of elected officials, and partisan politics. The accompanying booklet provides an overview of how partisan politics works in Nova Scotia and federally, and includes, among other topics, securing a nomination, party leadership, and running as an independent.

The information in this section is useful for candidates as well as anyone involved in campaigns to get women elected.

Before you start, you may want to download the Module 2 tip sheets and exercises:
How well do you know the parties?
Understanding Party Politics: Jurisdictional Responsibilities
Qualifying as a Candidate
Key Positions

All fillable exercises and tip sheets

If you'd like to print them, click here.

Additional resources:
Getting Your Message Out/ Planifier votre campagne
Knowing Your Community/ Connaître votre communauté
Resources/ Ressources

Module 3 – Planning Your Campaign

A great campaign starts with a great plan! Now that you have decided to run, or secured a nomination, it’s time to start planning your campaign. There are many components to consider. This booklet includes practical considerations, tips, and tools to get started.

This module includes several worksheets and planning tools to assist in mapping out your plan, estimating your budget, and putting together a solid message.

Click the links below to download exercises and tip sheets for this module:
Key Positions on Your Campaign Team
Preparing for Campaigning: Summarizing Research
Preparing for Campaigning: Voter Contact/Setting a Goal
Do's and Don'ts of Canvassing Tip Sheet
Canvassing Strategy Tip Sheet
Debates Tip Sheet
Estimating Your Budget

If you'd like to print them, click here

Additional resources:
Planning Your Campaign/ Planifier votre campagne
Knowing Your Community/ Connaître votre communauté
Resources/ Ressources

Module 4 – Getting Your Message Out

Communications is a critical component of your campaign, and political life overall. Developing clear messages and familiarity with communications and social media tools and platforms is a fundamental part of becoming and being a leader.

There is a reason politics is called “public life” or “public service”— you, your messages, and your position on the issues will be a topic of public discourse and profile. As soon as you announce your candidacy, the media and the public will want to know what you have to say about the issues central to the campaign. Learning to work with the media and manage your communications will be an important part of your campaign, and, if elected, your time in office.

This module and the accompanying booklet, contain the basics of a strong communications strategy, including developing your messages and brand, managing your message, understanding social media, using advertising to your advantage, and tips and cautions.

Click the links below to download exercises and tip sheets for this module:
Key Questions
What's Your Agenda
Key Issues and Messages
Interacting with the Media: Do's and Don'ts
Know Your Opponents
The Press Release, The Press Conference
Social Media

If you'd like to print them, click here.

Additional resources:
Getting Your Message Out/ Planifier votre campagne
Knowing Your Community/ Connaître votre communauté
Resources/ Ressources