Have you ever considered entering local politics? Do you want to make a change in your local community?

Why not go along to First Step to Stand, a free event designed to encourage and inspire women to become councillors and community activists.

Following the success of their first event, the First Step to Stand team are back for a second event, providing women across the Falkirk Council area another chance to explore how they can get more involved in local politics and to speak with female councillors. Taking place on Sunday 16 March 2025, 12pm – 2pm, at Behind The Wall (14 Melville Street, Falkirk FK1 1HZ), this is an opportunity to discover if becoming a councillor is right for you and how to get there, whilst building a supportive community in the process.

Next Step to Stand has been designed as a relaxed and interactive session that will provide women with an opportunity to speak one-on-one with female councillors from across the political spectrum. Councillors will share their experiences, answer questions and offer practical advice. For those who attended the first session in February, this event offers more time to speak directly with councillors whereas for first timers, you can expect a welcoming space to explore how you can make a difference in your community.

Cllr Siobhan Paterson, event organiser, said:

“I was absolutely blown away by the number of women who came along to the first event and by the enthusiasm in the room. It was incredible to see so many women and young people wanting to take that first step into politics. But I know from speaking to attendees that many still had questions about what it’s really like to be a councillor and how they can get more involved. That’s why we’ve created this next event in conjunction with Elect Her—to give women the chance to have open, one-on-one conversations with those who are currently in the role or have done the job, and to connect with other like-minded women who share their passion for making a difference. If you’re even slightly curious about what it takes to stand for election, I’d encourage you to come along and find out more.”

This is not a party political event, and is open to any women with no political experience required, just an enthusiasm for making a difference in your community.

These events have been organised in conjunction with Elect Her, a not for profit organisation working across the political spectrum to provide women with the knowledge, confidence and skills to take the next step on their political journey – and thrive once in elected office.

For further information, and to book your place at the event, please visit the Next Step to Stand Event page (linked for your convenience).