People can learn more about running in a municipal election at an upcoming event in Paisley.
The Grey-Bruce based electHER Now is hosting the “Hike With A Heroine” Mix and Mingle Social on Sunday, October 1 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Paisley Mill.
Spokesperson Laura Wood said Arran-Elderslie Councillor Moiken Penner is the guest speaker.
"She's a first time Paisley Ward councillor, former police officer, Air Cadet trainer, and a current firefighter in the communities," said Wood. "So we've decided to call it "Hike With a Heroin". Tickets are available online and a Pay What You Can basis."
Wood suggested the event is a great way to learn for anyone who plans to run in the 2026 municipal election.
"We don't know what we don't know," she quipped. "And so sitting down with other women who are currently serving and finding what life is like as a political table is all that some people need to just get inspired to put their name into the next campaign."
Wood pointed out more women are needed to help make local decisions.
"35 of the 119 Council members elected in Grey Bruce are women and that's only 29 per cent, where our population is 51 per cent women," Wood said.
She said anyone interest in running for municipal office in 2026 should try to do as much research as possible to demystify the whole process.
"Listen to people that are currently elected. Reach out to groups like electHER now, attend learning events, attend campaign schools," explained Wood. "At electHER now we have experienced women who are really willing to share their experience and their ideas to help."
Wood stressed that it is important to have various viewpoints represented at the political table.
"As a community member, I want my council to reflect the changing face of the people in our area," added Wood. "And that's why I think the work of electHER now is so important. Having a more diverse local council going to bring different perspectives based on people's life experience. And you know, this is really important asset and it brings value to the decision making process. That's encouraged at our local municipal table."
Wood said electHER is non-partisan community volunteer group with a goal to increase the number of women sitting at council tables by ten percent in 2026.
Tickets are available on a pay what you can basis with options available at $25 or $10, with $0. Find more information online at: electhernow.ca/events.