Free Online Workshops Aim to Prepare New Candidates to Run In 2026 Municipal Elections

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is offering free virtual workshops to support residents considering a run in the 2026 municipal elections. Open to first-time and returning candidates.

Photo by Dmitrii Vaccinium on Unsplash

With Ontario’s next municipal elections set for 2026, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is encouraging community members to consider putting their names forward, and is offering free training workshops to support those interested in running.

The “Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities” online workshop series is part of AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project, an initiative designed to attract more diverse and community-rooted candidates to local politics.

The program is open to residents across Ontario and aims to build both practical campaign skills and leadership resilience.

The four-part series is offered in partnership with Nominee, a non-partisan organization that supports equitable participation in democracy. Sessions are held via Zoom and run monthly from December 2025 through April 2026.

Who the Workshops Are For

• Community members considering a run for local office in 2026

• First-time or returning candidates seeking more confidence

• Civic leaders exploring whether elected office is right for them

What Participants Can Expect

Each session includes expert facilitation, interactive discussions, and peer learning. Topics include:

• Developing leadership values and campaign purpose

• Navigating conflict and communication in public life

• Maintaining personal well-being under public pressure

• Turning values into action with practical campaign tools

Workshop Schedule and Topics

• Session 1 – Finding Your Why: Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
  December 3, 2025 – 6:30 PM

• Session 2 – Praise Your Rivals: Managing Conflict and Building Relationships
  February 4, 2026 – 6:30 PM

• Session 3 – What Matters Most: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
  March 4, 2026 – 6:30 PM

• Session 4 – Building Your Movement: Turning Values into Action
  April 1, 2026 – 6:30 PM

Participants can register for one or all sessions. All are free to attend and are being held online.

More information is available through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario at amo.on.ca. Interested candidates can register here.

The next Ontario municipal elections are scheduled for October 2026.