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Everyone can make a difference

GLOWs professional development incubator can help you to create the future.

a group of people standing on a sidewalk next to a bus
a group of people standing on a sidewalk next to a bus
person biking on red concrete road during daytime
person biking on red concrete road during daytime
te mata hawkes bay new zealand with vineyard in foreground
te mata hawkes bay new zealand with vineyard in foreground

About GLOW

The Aim

GLOW is on a mission to encourage a new cohort of local leaders, by supporting diverse, talented and knowledgeable candidates to stand at this year’s local elections.

Local Government should be for everyone, but not everyone has the confidence or support to stand, campaign, get elected, and represent their communities. GLOW aims to be a launchpad for diverse voices in local leadership, where they can drive climate and community-led action.

We aim to enhance local government representation, increase public engagement, and support the development of diverse, knowledgeable candidates committed to sustainable vibrant communities.

Learning

GLOW is a 12 week candidate incubator, supporting people to stand for election by providing professional development on how local government works, campaigning tips, and by fostering a support network of new candidates to help them thrive in local politics.

We'll be honest: Running for local elections is a rewarding experience, and also a significant time commitment. We think it’s worthwhile to dedicate some extra time to learn and plan your campaign with support from our experts to maximise your impact.

The incubator is made up of one to two panel sessions per week, with a total of 14 sessions planned.

Connection

GLOW provides a network to tap into, connecting candidates with experienced representatives to foster peer support and share best practices.

We want to build a strong community to support diverse leadership and contribute to effective local governance, that creates community-driven change across Aotearoa.

The incubator sessions will culminate with in-person sessions across the main centres, offering an opportunity to establish long-standing connections with fellow candidates and experienced representatives.

The incubator topics for discussion will include:

  • Council decision making

  • Local government-structures

  • Campaign management

  • Effective communication

  • Climate action strategies at the local level

  • Tuakana-teina sharing of insights from experienced representatives.

After the session, there will be a period of mentorship, all leading up to nominations closing for the local elections on the 1st of August.

You can find the schedule for the sessions with more information here.

We will have sessions on weeknights and Saturday afternoons. The dates will vary, so that even if you can't attend all the sessions, you will still be able to attend some and find a way for GLOW to fit your schedule. Attendance to all sessions is optional but encouraged. Recordings of the sessions will be made available to the GLOW cohort.

GLOW goals

GLOW supports diverse candidates with training and networks to enhance local governance, promote sustainability, and foster inclusive community development.

01. Enhance local government representation by supporting diverse and knowledgeable candidates.

02. Increase public engagement in local elections.

03. Equip candidates with skills in council decision-making, local government structures, campaign management, and effective communication.

04. Promote sustainability, climate action, resilient communities and environmental protection.

05. Establish a lasting support network for elected representatives who are climate-action orientated.

06. Foster community development through inclusive leadership.

Meet the team behind GLOW

Let's kōrero

Drop us a line

info@glowaotearoa.org

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