Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee
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Women in Politics

Get notified when applications open in 2024.

Applications are open!

Overview

CJPAC’s newly redesigned Women in Politics Mentorship Program is designed to support and train Jewish women, 21+, who want to pursue a career in politics, either by running for office (at any level of government) or by working in a high-level political staff role. Despite making progress in recent years, women still represent only approximately one-third of all legislators in Canada.  

The Women in Politics program aims to help Jewish women overcome some of the systemic barriers that have traditionally held women back in politics. Our goal is to help women from across the political spectrum create a network of support that will help them advance and persevere. 

While WiP has been a key CJPAC initiative for years, this time around, we’re shaking things up, starting with an informative registration session.  

Here are the details for the upcoming Info Session: 

Date: Monday, January 29 

Time: 8:30 – 9:30pm ET, 5:30 – 6:30pm PT 

Location: Secure Zoom Meeting 

During the session, you will learn about the key challenges women face in a career in politics. You will also hear about mentorship opportunities, skill-building workshops, and networking events with experienced women leaders in the political arena. 

This is your chance to gain insights, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creating positive change through public service. 

To secure your spot at the info session, please register here. We encourage you to share this invitation with other women in our community who may be interested in joining this impactful program. 

Your voice matters, and we believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive political landscape, we can create a stronger and more representative democracy.  

FAQ

Mentees and mentors go through an application process as well as an interview with the steering committee & CJPAC staff members. Once complete, the steering committee & CJPAC staff meet to make matches. 

  • Attend a launch event* with all mentors and mentees
  • Meet* with your mentee 3-4 times throughout the program (meetings can include a tour or visit to your workplace*, coffee meetings*, events* or other opportunities to have meaningful conversation)
  • Attend a wrap-up/celebration event* at the end of the program

Mentors are encouraged to attend other optional activities to be confirmed at a later date. Past events have included:

  • A panel event* with political guest speakers
  • A dinner with a special guest*
  • Other CJPAC Women in Politics programming

*Due to COVID-19 we will be running our national meetings and programming virtually. Mentee/mentor pairings are welcome to have 1:1 in-person meetings based on participants’ comfort levels and regional public health orders.

  • Coordinating logistics for one-on-one meetings* with their mentor, and developing and circulating an agenda prior to each meeting. This will enable the mentor to properly prepare for the meeting. The CJPAC Women in Politics Steering Committee is available to assist with this.
  • Attending events* as part of the program, to be confirmed at a later date. Past events have included:
    • A launch event* with all mentors and mentees
    • Meet* with your mentor 3-4 times throughout the program
    • Attend a wrap-up/celebration event* at the end of the program
    • Attend 2-3 other events* throughout the year that may include a panel event with political guest speakers, a dinner with a special guest, and/or a skill building workshop
  • Get involved in other CJPAC programming or committees

There are 6-7 national sessions. 

We recommend that mentees/mentors meet at minimum 4 times throughout the programming year. The more the merrier, though!

This program has no cost.

The time commitment is about 90 minutes/month for national programs, as well as any 1:1 conversations, meetings, etc arranged between mentees/mentors.

Sessions vary year to year, but have included things like: Personal Branding & Digital Communications, Jewish Elected Officials Panel, Elections Through Covid, Opportunities in Gov’t, etc.

Mentees: Jewish Women who are interested in expanding their political knowledge, getting involved in their communities, and being part of a network of women supporting women!

Mentors: Jewish Women who are interested in teaching and guiding other Jewish women in the political sphere, and creating and being a part of a network of women supporting women!

Committee Chairs

Elena Banfield

Vancouver BC

Dani Peters

Toronto ON

Call for Stories

If you’re a past or present participant of the Women in Politics program, we’d love to hear about your experiences.