What Does Mentorship Mean to Me?
In this piece Wendy Schau and Jennifer Stebbing talk about mentorship and what it means to them. Both women choose a political career. Wendy after her retirement from teaching and Jennifer is on sabbatical from her law practice to pursue the Flamborough-Glanbrook (Ontario) riding in the upcoming federal election.
Wendy Schau, Retired Milton Town Councillor
1.What does mentoring mean to you?
To me it means that an experienced person advises and assists a person who wishes to be successful in a field where the mentor has been successful themselves.
2. Did you have a mentor and what did the mentor do to help you?
I did have a mentor when I became involved in municipal politics. Cindy Lunau had been a town councillor in Milton for two terms when I first met her. When I was considering running, I invited her to lunch and from that time on she was a great help to me. We did not always think the same way on issues or vote for the same things but the relationship lasted for the 7 years that we were on council together I was very fortunate to have Cindy’s help and support. These are the ways she helped me.
➢Explained what was involved in the job –responsibilities, time commitment, change in public profile, challenges, joys
➢Encouraged me to run
➢Introduced me to influential people like the mayor and Town CAO, who were then able to speak well (hopefully) about me if asked
➢Recommended other people whom I could ask for advice such as former councillors for the ward in which I was running
➢Made a point of introducing me to people if we were at an event or conference together
➢Was always willing to answer questions once I was in office. This was very important because there is a very steep learning curve; lots of rules, terms, legislation, past history etc. to become familiar with
➢Was someone trustworthy, knowledgeable and wise that I could go to to discuss challenges and complex issues. Her advice was usually very helpful. What I really appreciated was that the discussions were just that; she did not push any particular position and never contacted me to persuade me to take a position she favoured.
3.Do you see mentorship as a strategic initiative to increase the number of women in politics?
I think mentorship is very important but I don’t know if it is possible to be strategic about it, except perhaps by educating both women in political office and those thinking of running about the value of it. Then they would be intentional about looking for opportunities and likely to seize one when it arose. Cindy and I “clicked” from the beginning. That’s not the sort of thing that can be put in place by design.
Jennifer Stebbing B.A. Hons., LL.B., J.D., Flamborough-Glanbrook Federal Liberal Candidate
1. What does mentoring mean to you?
It means you have someone you can speak to that is experienced and willing to help guide you.
2. Did you have a mentor and what did the mentor do to help you?
I did. She was available to me to ask questions about the steps I was going through. She was also available to just talk to about what was going on and help get through the tough days.
3. Do you see mentorship as a strategic initiative to increase the number of women in politics?
Definitely. I find women really like to know what it is going to be like and know there is someone there they can talk to that has done it. A mentor can fill those shoes easily. I also find women in politics are more than happy to be a mentor and be there to answer questions.