My Pathways to Politics checklist: Heidi Prowse OAM

Heidi Prowse OAM, September 2024

At the welcome dinner for the 2024 Pathways to Politics cohort at the University of Canberra, Heidi Prowse OAM, 2023 alum and Labor Candidate for Ginninderra in the upcoming ACT General Election, shared her personal “Pathways checklist” to help participants navigate the program and their journey to elected office.

Reflecting on her own campaigning, here’s her advice for all women hitting the campaign trail:

Physical and emotional toll

The campaign trail has a huge physical and emotional demand and you will experience a new kind of tired. Be proactive in establishing your wellbeing strategies. There isn’t a simple list, as this is very individual to you. But take examples and ideas from other politicians and leaders (or speakers on the Pathways to Politics program if you’re a participant) – this can help start or identify things to try.

Acknowledge

Don’t underestimate what you have already done. This can also mean there is no “too early” when it comes to building your pathways, connections and profile. This also helps to build your political stump speech and what is important to you.

Talk

You are going to have so many conversations, so practice having discussions with people who don’t share the same views as you. Be inquisitive instead of debating.

How

While there is undoubtedly a topic that started your pathway to politics, you need to dig deep into the issues and challenges of your constituents. By now it’s not about you, but about them. Start by listening and do your research on the things that are meaningful in your community.

Who cares

Just because you care about politics doesn’t mean anybody else does. And this is the person you will interact with more frequently than anyone else. So how might you approach them?

Acceptance

At the end of the day, no matter how much you put in, the outcome is out of your control. Consider how you might accept this (I created a consolation prize).

YYYYYYY – Why?

Discover your why. Because there will be days it is so hard to keep going. But if you know deep down your why, it will help you keep going. It may be something you never share or it could become the key part of your political stump speech.

Sister

When all else fails, remember your sisters. Your fellow Pathways to Politics cohort and alums have your back. They care about what is the best for you, they have insight into your journey like no other group and they can be open and honest. Embrace them.