Chilterns, Windsor and Maidenhead 26/06/2009
To download the Chiltern flyer please click here

Luton 17/07/2009
To download the Luton flyer please click here

Bradford 22/07/2009
To download the Bradford flyer please click here

Many of the decisions that affect people’s lives and those of their families are delivered at a local level.

In May last year, the Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman MP QC, launched a cross-party Black, Asian Women Councillors Taskforce. The aim of this Taskforce is to encourage women, particularly those that are under represented, to participate in public life and to support them to become local councillors - making a difference in their communities.

There are nearly 20,000 local councillors in England and Wales however, only around 29% of all councillors are women.Women from minority ethnic backgrounds make up less than 1% of all councillors, despite being over 5% of the overall population.

The Government Equalities Office is supporting the Taskforce to hold regional events from now until Summer 2009 and would very much welcome your participation at these events. This is an exciting opportunity to hear from councillors about how they got involved in public life and what it means to them. You will be given the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops with experienced facilitators who will share their experiences; the skills needed to not only become a Councillor but how to be an effective champion in your community.

Please click here to register.

For more information about help travelling to and from these events, please visit www.equalities.gov.uk

Councillor Mentoring/Shadowing Scheme

The Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Women Councillors' Taskforce, Operation Black Vote (OBV) and the Government Equalities Office have come together to create a new ground breaking mentoring scheme. The scheme will provide tailored support to BAME women considering standing for election and taking the first steps to becoming a councillor.  To find out more and to obtain a Councillor Shadowing Scheme application pack please contact OBV on: Tel: 0208 983 5471 / Fax: 0208 983 5492/ Email: councillor@obv.org.uk or download the information from their website at: www.obv.org.uk