FIRST STEP TO STAND

Our workshop toolkit designed specifically for local authorities in Scotland. If you are a councillor or council team member, run your own Elect Her style workshop to demystify local democracy and encourage women to consider standing for selection in the 2027 local elections.

Join us in making meaningful change!

SUPPORTING OUR FUTURE WOMEN COUNCILLORS

Over the past few years we have worked in collaboration with numerous local authorities to host in-person workshops encouraging women to consider a future in local Government. This toolkit represents the next iteration of this work, giving councils all of the resources, information and advice they need to independently run a First Step To Stand workshop. By opening up an accessible, commitment-free dialogue with women in your communities, you can help support more women to consider standing for the 2027 local elections.

The timeline towards the 2027 local elections in Scotland demonstrates that now is the time to be having these conversations with women, so that there is adequate time for them to engage in political parties, local campaigns and to prepare well in advance of May 2027!

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

Women have increased knowledge about the process of standing for political office;
Women have increased confidence in themselves;
Women have stronger networks of support;
Women feel supported to consider standing for office.

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

Elect Her wants to give you all the resources you need to independently run a successful workshop! Here you can download the four documents you need to run a workshop. The first is our preparation guide, which outlines everything you need to know. This includes preparing and planning for the workshop, inviting guest speakers, setting up registration, delivering the workshop, making sure the workshop is inclusive and accessible, and how to publicise the event!

The second is the full-length facilitation guide for you to use during the workshop, which covers timings, talking points, and agendas.

We have included an example of a ‘Speaker Briefing’ that you can edit and use to provide your guest speakers with information about the workshop to help them prepare beforehand, and finally a fabulously designed slideshow that you can present during the workshop.

If you, or your local authority is interested in hosting a First Step to Stand workshop, all of the resources are available for download for free here.

We want to know if you’re running a workshop so we can support and champion you through the process. Please email Rosie Trevill - rosie@elect-her.org.uk to keep us updated, we look forward to hearing from you soon!