Annual General Meeting: March 31 at 7 PM

Equal Voice UOttawa invites YOU—whether you’ve been involved before or would like to become involved—to our annual general meeting on March 31 at 7 pm, location to be announced.

The meeting will start with a presentation and discussion with Jennifer Mowbray, the Project Manager for ‘Getting to 30%: Women in Municipal Government National Programs’ at the Canadian Federation of Municipalities. Don’t miss out on the chance to hear her talk about women in politics and different ways of overcoming barriers! We will then be holding elections for next year’s executive as well as reviewing the club’s constitution and bylaws.

There will be snacks and coffee, and feel free to bring anything you would like to contribute. We will also have some art on display, made by the 5th Unit Ottawa Brownies, who are learning about the importance of voting 🙂

Available executive positions—Anyone is encouraged to run!

President
Vice-President External
Vice-President Finance
Vice-President Internal
Vice-President Communications
Two Members at Large

If you are interested in these positions, you can read a detailed description in the club constitution on our blog or email us at equalvoice.uottawa@gmail.com if you would like to talk with an executive member.

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À voix égales uOttawa t’invite–si tu est déjà impliqué avant ou si vous souhaitez participer au club—à notre assemblée annuelle générale le 31 mars à 19H, lieu à confirmer.

La réunion débutera avec une presentation et discussion avec Jennifer Mowbray, le gestionnaire de projet pour “Se rendre à 30%: les femmes dans les programmes de gouvernement municipal nationale” de la Fédération canadienne des municipalités. Ne manquez pas la chance de l’entendre parler des femmes en politique et les différentes façons de surmonter les obstacles! Ensuite, on ferait les élections pour l’exécutif de l’an prochain, ainsi qu’à examiner et modifier la constitution et les règlements du club.

Il y aura des collations et café, et n’hésitez pas à apporter tout ce que vous aimeriez contribuer.

Postes disponibles—tous sont encouragées à se présenter!

Présidente
Vice-présidente aux affaires externes
Vice-présidente Finances
Vice-présidente aux affaires internes
Vice-présidente Communications
Deux membres hors cadre

Si tu t’intéresse à ces postes, tu peux lire une description détaillée des positions dans notre constitution ou par courriel à equalvoice.uottawa@gmail.com si vous voudrais parler avec un membre de l’exécutif.

Happy International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). The first IWD was held in 1911 in various European countries, although it was not sanctioned by the United Nations until 1975. That makes this year the 100th anniversary of IWD.  There has been a lot of change since then but there are still struggles to be had. Here’s a roundup of some of the media attention on IWD:

In the Globe and Mail, Stephanie Nolen highlights the silent majority of women who are still struggling for their rights.

Sheila Gervais, a member of Equal Voice’s advisory committee, notes the gender imbalance in politics.

CBC highlights 10 female trendsetters as well as providing a history of IWD.

Nicholas Kristoff asks: do female leaders matter?

The UN Secretary General’s statement on IWD.

The Prime Minister’s statement on IWD.

We would also like to invite you once again to attend the Equal Voice Leadership Summit on Thursday and Friday.  On Friday afternoon, Amy Kishek and Courtney Bragg of Equal Voice will be hosting a Youth Forum. We encourage you all to attend, especially in the spirit of IWD.

Register Now for Equal Voice’s Leadership Summit!

Equal Voice invites you to its Tenth Anniversary Leadership Summit and Recognitions Reception scheduled for Thursday, March 10th and Friday, March 11th, 2011 at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Leveraging Women’s Leadership for the 21st Century: Changing the Game, the Summit will celebrate Equal Voice’s tenth anniversary and the global centenary of International Women’s Day, and discuss how to tackle one of Canada’s most persistent democratic deficits.

SUMMIT OVERVIEW

Over one hundred of Equal Voice members and supporters, elected representatives, academics, members of the media and young women from across the country will gather in the Nation’s Capital to explore the challenges and opportunities facing women in politics in Canada today.

PANEL TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

– DEEP ROOTS, STRONG WINGS LAUNCH: Equal Voice will launch its on-line campaign school customized for First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.
– TALES FROM THE BRINK – Running for Office: The Top Ten Things Women Must Know about Running for Nomination/Winning the Campaign
– ARE WOMEN FRAMED TO FALTER?: Reflection on the Media
– THE CULTURE OF POWER (AND POLITICS): How to get things done
– HOW TO HAVE A LIFE (OR SAVE IT): Lessons from the Trenches
– DOING IT DIFFERENTLY (and why it matters)

Equal Voice is also hosting a Youth summit on Friday afternoon (March 11th 2011) so that young women can discuss strategies and tools to getting more involved in the political process.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS AND MODERATORS:

– Hon. Rona Ambrose, PC, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
– Hon. Michael Chong, PC, Member of Parliament, Wellington –Halton Hills
– The Hon. Sheila Copps, PC, Former Deputy Prime Minister
– Susan Delacourt, Senior Writer, Toronto Star
– Martha Hall Findlay, Member of Parliament, Willowdale
– Deborah Gillis, Senior Vice President, Catalyst
– Shari Graydon, Informed Opinions
– Jen Hunter, Candidate, Green Party of Canada
– Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Former MP, Nunavut
– Lisa MacLeod, Member of Provincial Parliament, Nepean-Carleton
– Alexa McDonough, PC, Former Leader, New Democratic Party
– The Hon. Lisa Raitt, PC, MP Minister of Labour
– Laura Peck, Vice President, McLoughlin Media
– Steve Paikin, Anchor, The Agenda, TVO
– Joanne St. Lewis, Professor, University of Ottawa
– Jane Taber, Senior Political Writer, Globe and Mail & Co-Host. CTV’s Question Period

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

– Hon. Rona Ambrose, PC, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
– Trine Skei Grande, Leader, Liberal Party, Norway
– Jennifer Lawless, PhD, Director, Women & Politics Institute, Associate Professor, American University

Learn more about EV`s Keynote speakers!

EQUAL VOICE NATIONAL RECOGNITIONS RECEPTION

In addition, on the evening of Thursday, March 10th 2011, Equal Voice will host a Recognitions Reception to honour ten women at the national level who have paved the way for women in politics. As such, both the Summit and Reception will offer excellent networking opportunities for young women who are seeking to get more politically involved.

Special Guest: Mary Walsh, Perfomer/Writer

REGISTRATION

Equal Voice has also reserved up to one hundred spaces for students/young women under the age of twenty six to register- FOR FREE. A $10 fee for the Recognitions Reception will be charged. Due to the demand for these spaces, student ID or proof of birth date will be required at the door.

We expect these spaces to fill up quickly so encourage you to register! Equal Voice uOttawa will see you there, and we’ll be posting a follow up to the summit right here on our blog!

She Will Run – A Success!

Last Saturday, Equal Voice UOttawa hosted a day of workshops to help women prepare for being candidates and supporters in the coming campus elections.  Workshop participants were treated to five great workshops as well as opportunities to network with other involved young women.

First, we were given a special opportunity to hear from the SFUO’s Chief Electoral Officer Jason Benovoy about election rules and procedures. Then, we were treated to a fascinating session from Susan Fox, former campaign manager and worker for multiple candidates, including Anne McLellan.  Susan  discussed the behind the scenes aspects of a campaign, incorporating her own extensive experience. Third, SASS campus counselling conducted a workshop on time management, including strategies for using your time productively. Fourth, current SFUO VPs Amy Hammett and Paige Galette shared strategies for marketing yourself as well as dealing with gender-based criticism during the electoral campaign. Finally, Louisa Taylor of the Ottawa Citizen led a workshop on public speaking.  Participants were encouraged to present their potential speeches and offer meaningful critiques to each speaker.  This was also a great opportunity to have an experienced journalist provide advice on speaking clearly and enthusiastically.

Equal Voice UOttawa would like to thank all of the speakers and participants at this year’s She Will Run workshops. We would also like to wish the best of luck to all candidates!

The University of Ottawa will be hosting A Conversation with Nancy Peckford on February 8th at noon.  Nancy, the executive director for Equal Voice, will be sharing her leadership experiences as well as discussing the current situation of women in politics. The event is free and lunch is served but you must RSVP.

As a reminder, we host meetings every Wednesday at 7 pm in Cafe Alt.  We especially encourage participants in this year’s elections to attend. Although as a club we can not officially endorse or volunteer for a candidate, we can help connect you with volunteers and point you in the right direction to a variety of resources.

Happy Persons Day! 3 great events to celebrate the right to vote!

Well, I’m a day late but the importance isn’t lost, that’s for sure. October 18th is the 81st anniversary of the Persons Case, a famous case in which the Famous Five (they have a statue on Parliament Hill) worked to improve conditions for women and were instrumental in guaranteeing us the vote.

Special thanks to Lynne Lessard for researching (and writing most of) this content!

Did you know? Until 81 years ago today, women were considered “non-persons” under Canadian law!

“In fact, British Common Law stated they were ‘persons in the matter of pains and penalties, but not in the matter of rights and privileges.'”

Thinking of the Famous Five, and of all of the women and men who have fought (and …are still fighting) for equal rights – and of how excited I am to exercise my right to vote in Ottawa on October 25th!

Aujourd’hui nous célébrons 81 ans de reconnaissance des femmes telles que “personnes” d’après la loi canadienne – grâce à ‘l’affaire personne’!

Nous pensons aux Célèbres cinq et à toutes les femmes et les hommes qui ont manifesté afin d’assurer des droits universels, tel que le droit de vote!

We have THREE great events this week promoting women in politics and our right to vote!

FIRST. Tonight there is an event held by Equal Voice National with MPs and Senators at Hys Steakhouse.Its a Day to “Elevate the Debate“! Charlotte Burchett, Melissa Bonga and myself are all attending and we will let you know what it is like!

THEN. Tomorrow is “Making Women Count/ Tenir Compte des femmes”, a mayoral debate on women’s issues/un débat des candidats à la mairie à propos des problèmes face aux femmes.

Equal Voice will be meeting at the Tabaret steps at 6pm to head over to City Hall. The debate starts at 6:30 so we want to arrive early! RSVP here or we’ll see you there!

FINALLY. On Thursday, Equal Voice uOttawa has reserved seats for anyone interested in joining Equal Voice uOttawa at the Ottawa Centre “Open Mike” with Michael Ignatieff event this Thursday, October 21st at 6:30pm.

We’ll be leaving from the steps of Tabaret Hall at 5:45pm – bring your bus pass! Feel free to comment for details.

Here’s hoping to see you at these events and more is coming in the future I promise!