Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee
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Women in Politics

Applications are open!

Overview

The CJPAC Women in Politics Mentorship Program is designed to connect Jewish women (18+) who are interested in becoming more involved in the political process, either personally or professionally, with Jewish mentors who have senior experience in politics, government and communications. This cohort of the WIP Mentorship Program is open to applicants from across Canada. It will run from March to December 2022. Due to COVID-19 we will be running our national meetings and programming virtually. Mentee/mentor pairings are welcome to have in-person meetings based on participants’ comfort levels and regional public health orders. When it becomes safe to resume in-person gatherings, we will consider reverting some aspects of our regional program to be in person.

The Women in Politics Mentorship Program is intended to:

  • Provide mentees with access to the knowledge and guidance of their mentors
  • Create networking opportunities for women interested in engaging with Canada’s political process
  • Provide mentors with the opportunity to help to shape the next generation of Canadian political leaders by sharing their insight and experience
  • Build greater capacity for women to become involved in the political process

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.