2026 Convention Workshops

Workshops will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 2pm to 5pm at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

SESSION #1

2:10pm-2:55pm

Activating Supporters with Qomon

Host: Clare Atreo, Qomon

This workshop is a general intro to Qomon’s web platform and mobile app. It will emphasize how data, activation, and action work together to activate supporters. Clare will also give an intro to the mobile app and how it can be used to engage volunteers and supporters in various ways on the ground. Note – this is a short intro session and more comprehensive training will continue to be available. Please bring a laptop and/or mobile device demoing Qomon. Please bring a laptop and/or mobile device. 

How to Write a Digital Call to Action

Host: GPO Communications and Digital Action Teams

Whether you’re asking someone to vote for your candidate, volunteer their time or donate money, calls to action are key to a successful campaign. This workshop will help you write effective calls to action (CTAs) when communicating with potential supporters through socials media, email or text.

CFO Community of Practice

Host: Paul Kuebler, PSM CFO & AK Saini, GPO Organizer

Calling all current and aspiring CFOs! Join us to connect with your peers, share insights, and build a stronger support network ahead of the next financial filing deadline and beyond! We will discuss the collective resources and tools we need to make our roles easier, faster, and more effective. Whether you’re already in the thick of it, or thinking about stepping into this vital role, this session is specially designed to uplift you and your work at the local level.

Fundraising From Your Top 100

Host: Rudy Massimo, Rudy Massimo & Associates 

Unlock the potential of your donor base by learning directly from a seasoned philanthropic consultant on how to turn your top 100 supporters into deeply engaged, active partners. This session is designed for anyone involved in fundraising for a local CA or future campaign, providing actionable tips and tricks regardless of your team’s size or experience level.   

The 2029 Campaign Starts Today:
Why and How to Run a Long Campaign

Host: Mary Ann Coleman, Campaign Strategist

The UK Greens just won 587 council seats in May — an increase of 441 seats. This success can be chalked up to their long campaign strategies.  Using the UK as a model and our experience in multiple winning campaigns, the GPO is diving into the long haul. Join Mary Ann Coleman, fresh back from campaigning in the UK, to learn how to set the goals that will put your team on the same trajectory.

SESSION #2

3:10pm-3:55pm

Mastering Qomon Data & Analysis

Host: Clare Atreo, Qomon

This workshop will give an introductory overview on how to explore, segment, and activate your local riding’s database. Clare will overview how to view territory and supporter base in one place, opportunities to gain insights and how to turn insights into action: build lists, launch campaigns, and engage supporters. Note – this is a short intro session and more comprehensive training will continue to be available. Please bring a laptop and/or mobile device demoing Qomon. 

Canva for Campaigns

Host: GPO Communications Team

Learn how to use Canva to meet your campaign’s graphic design needs. From postcards to social media graphics to newspaper ads, this workshop will cover tools and templates in Canva that can help you create campaign materials quickly and easily.

Development Riding Applicants: Draft Your Win Story

Host: Mary Ann Coleman, Campaign Strategist

This session is intended for all applicants of the Development Riding Program who have yet to complete a win story. Please bring a computer and/or mobile device to work through your team’s win story. 

Fundraising From Your Top 100

Host: Rudy Massimo, Rudy Massimo & Associates 

Unlock the potential of your donor base by learning directly from a seasoned philanthropic consultant on how to turn your top 100 supporters into deeply engaged, active partners. This session is designed for anyone involved in fundraising for a local CA or future campaign, providing actionable tips and tricks regardless of your team’s size or experience level.   

Lessons for Effective Campaign Organizing

Host: Mike Balkwill, Small Change Fund

Building on the stories shared by him in the morning panel, Mike Balkwill will give an overview of what makes a winning  issue campaign and will also answer questions. In his words: “there is a method to organize, to build grassroots power, to make the community we want to have, to write the future we want to have.” 

SESSION #3

4:05pm-4:50pm

Getting Started with Qomon Fundraising

Host: Clare Atreo, Qomon

This workshop is for those involved in fundraising with your local CA or campaign. It will give an introductory overview on how to collect and manage donations seamlessly, online and on the ground. Clare will show you how you will be able to unify donors and members in a single database and how to keep all fundraising data connected to your workflows. Note – this is a short intro session and more comprehensive training will continue to be available. Please bring a laptop and/or mobile device demoing Qomon. 

How to Build a Media Relations Plan in your Riding

Host: GPO Communications and Digital Action Teams

This workshop will introduce you to the basics of establishing a media presence in your riding. We’ll go over how to build a media list, write and distribute media advisories and releases, and pitch local media about your candidate or campaign.

Policy Town Hall

Host: Lucia Iannantuono, GPO Policy Committee

Much like the Zoom Policy Workshops that were held in April, this will be an opportunity for policy authors to present their proposed policy statements or amendments and answer questions from GPO members. The purpose is to ensure that everyone feels well-informed before the motions are put to a vote at the Sunday morning Policy Plenary. 

Building the Municipal Bench for Provincial Gains

Host: Maureen Balsillie, Campaign Manager and Strategist

The next provincial campaign may be years away, but Ontario’s municipal elections are only 136 days out — and Greens around the world have shown that local wins are how you build provincial and federal ones. Join Campaign Manager Maureen Balsillie for a practical workshop on using the 2026 municipal cycle to build local capacity, recruit and elect Green-aligned councillors, and grow the bench that puts the next Green into Queen’s Park.

Development Riding Applicants – Beyond the Win Story (Working Session)

Host: Mary Ann Coleman, Campaign Strategist

This session is intended for all applicants of the Development Riding Program who have finalized their win story with the GPO and have been working on their long campaign plan. Please bring a computer and/or mobile device to work through your team’s long campaign plan.