womenscampaignschool.org

In 2008, 32 graduates of the Women’s Campaign School sought public office.  We are pleased to report that 20 of our graduates were successful in their campaigns – a success rate of 63%!

*Elected in 2008

Past-president of the Canadian Women Voters Congress and instructor at the Women’s Campaign School, Andrea Reimer was elected to Council in Vancouver. 

Long-time Women’s Campaign School instructor, Dr Hedy Fry was re-elected Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Centre.

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN SCHOOL CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF GRADUATES
November 16, 2008

The Canadian Women Voters Congress applauds all of the women candidates who ran in Saturday’s province-wide civic elections, and is very pleased to see so many of its graduates amongst those who ran and won.

This year, the CWVC celebrated the 10th annual Women’s Campaign School. The pan-partisan Women’s Campaign School is a 3-day crash course in campaigning, designed to help women of all political stripes to participate and succeed in political life. The school trains women in the ABC’s of campaigning: everything from getting the nomination and fund-raising to media relations and ethics. About 400 women have participated in the annual Campaign School over the past decade.

Campaign School lecturers include former federal MP Mary Collins, former federal MP Penny Priddy, current MLA Linda Reid, former MLA Christy Clark, and many other former and current politicians… women of all political persuasions who come together to help other women get involved in civic life.

Judging by the results of the 2008 Civic Elections, Women’s Campaign School graduates are certainly succeeding.

In the City of Vancouver, past-president and school instructor, Andrea Reimer along with graduates Suzanne Anton, and Ellen Woodsworth have won seats on city council. Sarah Blyth, a graduate of the 2008 WCS, and Constance Barnes, a graduate of the 2007 WCS, will be taking up positions on the city’s Park Board; and Carol Gibson, class of 2008, has been re-elected to the School Board.

Elsewhere in the province, graduates won election in Delta, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Kamloops, Prince George, Fort St. John, Ashcroft, Esquimalt and Oak Bay.

While Canadian women make up more than half of the population, the number of women in elected positions across Canada remains fewer than 25 per cent.

“There is so much more work to do to meet the goal of all parties to increase women’s participation”, says Jennifer Sweeney, president of the Board of the Canadian Women’s Voters Congress, “but the results on the weekend are very encouraging, and we celebrate the success of all our graduates… those who worked in support of campaigns, all those who ran as candidates, as well as those who ran and won election.”

“Campaign schools like the one run by the Canadian Women Voters Congress are a key part to boosting women’s involvement”, says new Vancouver councillor and former CWVC president Andrea Reimer.

Two days after the 2008 Federal Election and two days before the 90th anniversary of Persons Day, The Canadian Women Voters Congress celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its incorporation as a Society. The event was held the 16th of October 2008 at the historic Sylvia Hotel overlooking English Bay in Vancouver’s West End.  The evening’s theme paid homage to the International Suffrage movement and honoured all the women who paved the way for future generations in order to ensure women’s equality within the electoral process. 

Penny Priddy, a collector of Suffrage memorabilia and artefacts, generously lent a part of her collection for display during the evening.  A poignant reminder of what the leaders of the Suffrage movement endured was made manifest by a newspaper page of the time depicting the force feeding of imprisoned, hunger-striking Suffragette women.

Two pieces of art, paying tribute to Canadian Suffragettes, were offered and generously bid upon during a silent auction.  Also available to attendees were lapel buttons, designed in the British Suffrage colours: violet, white and green, bearing quotes from Canadians Agnes Macphail, Nellie McClung and Britain’s, Emmeline Pankhurst, considered by most to be the founding mother of the International Suffrage Movement.

The weather outside — autumn leaves blowing in the wind, rain pelting the windows and the ocean crashing on the beach — was in stark contrast to the atmosphere inside. A diverse group of women and men, young and old, board members past and present, politicians elected, running and retired came together to show their support for women in politics.

The evening was chaired by two astounding women, Joy MacPhail and Mary Collins who, along with Jennifer Sweeney, President of the Canadian Women Voters Congress, focused on recognizing and thanking all the women who contributed to making the Canadian Women Voters Congress what it is today and all the women who have made the CWVC Campaign school a success year after year. 

Women recognized included the founders, Audrey Paterson, Kathy Sainty and Helen Wilkes along with the other founding board members, Bernice Davidson, Kit Davison, and Lois Brassart.  We also recognized the founders and creators of the Women’s Campaign School, Charlene Brisson and Joanne Silver.   Thanks were also extended to Honourary Co-Chairs of the Women’s Campaign School, past and present:  Mary Collins, Darlene Marzari, Penny Priddy and Linda Reid.

Later in the evening, Penny Priddy said, in her moving speech quoting African-American suffragette Sojourner Truth, that the successful election of more women then ever before – 68 – to Parliament is cause for celebration.  But after nearly a century of Women’s Suffrage in this Canada it just isn’t good enough to still be waiting for equity.  Maybe we have to change our strategy and our tactics. We couldn’t agree more.  The Canadian Women Voters Congress will be there every step of the way.

We can proudly state that 382 women from across the country and the globe have graduated and benefited from their participation in the Canadian Women Voters Congress “Women’s Campaign School.”

See you at next year’s anniversary or at Campaign School this spring either as a student or as an instructor.

Allison McDonald, Director
Canadian Women Voters Congress

History of the Canadian Women Voters Congress and Words of Thanks Speech delivered at the 10th Anniversary Celebration in Vancouver by Jennifer Sweeney, President, October 16, 2008

• 10 Campaign Schools
• hundreds of graduates
• and, years of inspiration to women seeking to enter politics.

Our Honourary Co-Chairs of the celebration, Mary Collins and Joy MacPhail, are inviting you and your friends to join us at the historic Sylvia Hotel and toast the Canadian Women Voters Congress.

It’s a special occasion not only for us, but for women across Canada as we mark ninety years of women having the vote.

Come toast the Congress, the Women’s Campaign School and our suffragette fore-mothers!

For the fabulous price of $30, you get a free Suffraget-tini and appetizers as well as the wonderful opportunity to rejoice with others who have made great strides in promoting women in public life.

This is a great chance to meet old friends, make new ones, and contribute to helping other women attend future Campaign Schools.

Tickets: $30 

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008

Location: Sylvia Hotel, 1154 Gilford (on English Bay)

Time: 5:30pm to 8:30 pm

Please pass this message along to your friends and colleagues.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Canadian Women Voters Congress

 Presenting the Graduating Class of the 2008 Women’s Campaign School.