The Youth division of the City of Toronto’s Social Development, Finance & Administration Division is now now accepting applications for this unique program which pairs young female Torontonians with female City Councillors for six months. Learn about the opportunities for women in local government, gain hands-on experience and understand the multi-faceted role of a City Councillor.
Application details:
- To be eligible, applicants must identify as female, live in the City of Toronto, and be between 19 and 26 years of age.
- The application process is open until Thursday, November 24, 2016.
- If you have any questions, email [email protected]
- Apply now!
About City of Toronto’s Protégée Program
The goal of this program is engage young women in municipal politics in hopes that they may consider running for office one day; or encourage their peers to do so.
Over a six-month period on a part-time, unpaid basis, participants will be exposed to the process of policy-making, attend committee and council meetings, observe media interviews and interactions with constituents. Additionally, the mentees will network with one another to compare experiences and attend educational sessions regarding other aspects of municipal governance.
The objectives are:
- To connect young women with female councillors who can provide mentorship.
- To provide young women with an opportunity to get first-hand experience in municipal politics.
- To create a support network for young women that includes mentors, peers, resources and contacts.
- To create a supportive opportunity for shared learning.
We are accepting applications now for the program which will begin in January 2017.
How did this program come to be?
In 2005 the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) initiated a nation-wide call to address the unequal representation of women in municipal governments.
Toronto’s female councillors responded by creating the Toronto Regional Champion Campaign (TRCC). The program, which is now known as the City of Toronto Protégée Program, is championed by Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell in partnership with participating female Council peers and the City’s Social Development, Finance & Administration Division.
When the program runs in 2017, it will be the fifth time the City of Toronto has offered the opportunity.
For more information about the program, application guidelines, and all other questions, check the city’s website here.