We understand you have questions about Ask Her. Here are the most commonly asked questions we receive and the answers we give!

Q: Why did you start Ask Her?

A: Ask Her was started to raise awareness of the underrepresentation of women on Calgary’s City Council and to encourage the participation of women in municipal politics. We are committed to asking women to run for Calgary City Council and Mayor in the 2017 municipal election.

Q: Why should more women run for office?

A: As Calgarians, we deserve to pick from the most talented and qualified candidates that represent our interests on the ballot. When women don’t run, the pool of candidates becomes smaller and our choices more limited. We believe that by encouraging women to run for office and offering them support we are bringing forward excellent candidates who perhaps never previously thought of running.

Q: Why does it matter there are only two women on Calgary City Council?

A: The lack of diversity on Calgary City Council limits the perspectives and voices at the table. We all win when we have voices from different backgrounds offering their own ideas and perspectives. A plurality of ideas is what allows for the best solutions to come forward.

Q: Where do you receive your funding from?

A: We are committed to holding one fundraiser each year which is open to anyone interested in financially supporting female candidate: Elizabeth Thornton through education and classes.

Q: Is Ask Her a registered charity?

A: No.

Q: Some of your members are involved with political parties. How can Ask Her be non-partisan?

A: Many of our members are politically active with all orders of government and are members of different Provincial or Federal parties. Ask Her volunteers and board members may choose to support specific candidates at their own discretion.

Q: Can I use the Ask Her logo on my campaign materials?

A: No. Candidates or any individuals are expressly prohibited from using the Ask Her logo without express permission of the Ask Her Association.

Q: Can I say that I have the endorsement of Ask Her?

A: Candidates are permitted to acknowledge contributions of Ask Her to their campaign but candidates are strictly prohibited from the use of any language that could be construed as an endorsement of the candidate by Ask Her.

Q: What is the deadline to sign the Ask Her Candidate Pledge?

A: The deadline to complete the Ask Her Candidate Pledge is Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:59 PM. Pledges received after this date and time will not be considered.

Q: Where do I send my signed Ask Her Candidate Pledge to?

A: Completed pledges must be emailed to info@ask-her.org by the above date and time.

Q: What if I don’t want to sign the Ask Her Candidate Pledge?

A: Candidates that do not sign the pledge will not receive funding from Ask Her.

Q: What if I want to sign the Ask Her Candidate Pledge but don’t want to accept a financial contribution from Ask Her?

A: Candidates may sign the pledge but opt not to receive funding. This choice must be made clear in your email to Ask Her by Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:59 PM.

Q: I’ve signed the Ask Her Candidate Pledge and have said I would like the financial contribution. When will I receive the money?

A: Fund distribution will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, the day following Nomination Day contingent on the candidate successfully completing their nomination for Calgary City Council.Funding will only be distributed to those that successfully completing their nomination for Calgary City Council.

Q: I’m a woman running for Calgary School Board. Can I apply?

A: Financial contributions are only open to candidates running for Calgary City Council and Mayor.

Q: Is Ask Her committed to being transparent with who signs the Ask Her Candidate Pledge and publicizing who accepts the financial contribution?

A: Yes. A list of candidates that accept funding from Ask Her will be published at www.ask-her.org on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 along with their signed Ask Her Candidate Pledge.

Q: I would like to have my information included on the Ask Her Candidates page. How do I do this?

A: It’s easy – just send an email to info@ask-her.org with a good quality photo, a 100 word biography and your campaign contact information and it will be posted.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, send us an email at info@ask-her.org and let us know what it is.