Margaret Page is a professional coach who works with entrepreneurs, athletes, business people and professionals. Margaret is a member of the International Coaching Federation and graduate of CoachU. A graduate of the 2007 Women’s Campaign School, Margaret recently made a donation to the Canadian Women Voters Congress in honour of the Honourary Co-Chair of the Women’s Campaign School, Linda Reid, MLA, who inspires her with her generosity, hard work and commitment.
1. What was your experience like at the Women’s Campaign School?
It was incredible! Learning, building friendships, making connections, feeling the pressures of politics and still making it fun! In the new book ‘Secrets of Powerful Women’, Andrea Wong begins with “There is something special that happens when you get a group of powerful women in a room and shut the door.” That describes it for me!
2. How did what you learned at the Women’s Campaign School help you politically?
The year after my attendance at the school, Dawn Miller, Sue Jackal and I created a one day municipal campaign school in our community for women fashioned after the Canadian Women Voters Congress Campaign School. It was hugely successful! We have a small community with 4 municipal governments (1 town, 1 District, 1 Regional District and the Sechelt Indian Band). We only had 10 attendees but they had a major impact during the municipal elections of 2008. The District of Sechelt went from an all male council to three women getting elected. Other municipalities asked if I would help them create a one-day local workshop for women, and perhaps I will one day when there’s enough time. Dawn Miller and I were able to share information learned at the Women’s Campaign School with others in our local riding association. I became the campaign manager for Dawn Miller when she ran in the 2009 provincial election. I put to use all the tools that I was given at the Women’s Campaign School. In addition, professionally I coach women in leadership roles with an emphasis on women running for political office. The skills I learned at the campaign school helps me help them.
3. Why would you recommend that others should attend or support the Women’s Campaign School?
When my grandson was born I looked at him with awe and wonder. In that magical moment, a voice came in my head that asked, am I making the world a better place for him and his generation? I knew I was not. I thought about how I could make the world a better place and I realized the most impact I can have is to get more women elected. And what I would say to other women is, if you want to make an impact in your community then attend the Women’s Campaign School!
4. You made a significant donation to the CWVC in honour of Linda Reid, MLA. Please tell us what motivated you to recognize Linda Reid in this way?
Linda Reid inspires me for three reasons. First she knocked on every door in her riding when she ran for the first time. I think that was 9,000 doors! Each week she contacts a number of people in her riding to hear what their concerns are. She taught me about commitment. Second, in the BC Legislature she has always placed the needs of children and women in the forefront. Finally, she commits endless hours a year to speak to women’s groups and mentors other women.
Mohandas K Gandhi said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” According to this, Linda Reid must be very happy. By donating of my time, talent and treasures perhaps I too will someday align what I do with what I say and what I think.