Civics Education
Plain-language guides explaining how federal, provincial, regional, municipal, and school board governments work — who's in charge, what they do, and how you can get involved.
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Waterloo Region Since 2020
Your Community Deserves Your Voice in Office
Run4OfficeWR empowers Black, African, and Caribbean community members to run for political office — at every level of government in Waterloo Region. No experience required. Just the desire to represent.
630K+
People in our region
2.9%
Identify as Black
2020
Founded by community
Community image — request from client
Founded by
community,
for community Est. 2020
community,
for community Est. 2020
Our Mission
About Our Organization
Breaking Down Barriers to Political Representation
Run for Office Waterloo Region (Run4OfficeWR) was started in 2020 by representatives from the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities who wished to see greater representation by persons of colour in political offices.
Regardless of political affiliation, level of government, or political experience — we wish to lower the barrier to entry for those who can effectively represent not only Black communities, but the entire region, for the good of all.
Support candidates at all levels — federal, provincial, municipal, and school board
Nonpartisan — we welcome all political affiliations
Free resources, civics education, and direct support for first-time candidates
Registering 3,000 new visible minority voters through Project 3000
What We Do
How We Empower Our Community
Three pillars of support for a more representative Waterloo Region.
Candidate Support
From your first question to election day, we provide information, connections, and encouragement for first-time and experienced candidates from underrepresented communities.
Register InterestVoter Engagement
Project 3000 is our grassroots voter registration drive, aiming to register 3,000 new visible minority voters across Waterloo Region before the next election.
Join Project 3000
Featured Initiative
Project 3000 — Register. Vote. Run.
Thousands of eligible voters from visible minority communities in Waterloo Region remain unregistered. Many face overlapping barriers that limit their ability to participate in the democratic process.
"If you are not at the table, you are on the menu."
3,000
New voters
to register
to register
WR
Waterloo
Region focus
Region focus
2026
Next election
target
target
How to Get Involved
Register to Vote
Make sure you're on the voters list before the next election deadline.
Spread the Word
Tell your family, friends, and community about Project 3000.
Volunteer with Us
Join our grassroots outreach team and help register voters directly.
Consider Running
Think about running for office yourself — we'll support you every step of the way.
The People Behind the Mission
Meet Our Team
Dedicated community members working to make Waterloo Region's political landscape reflect its diverse population.
👤
Lannois Carrol-Wolery
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community representation in the Waterloo Region.
Program Administrator👤
Tapiwa Ziyenge
Dedicated to coordinating outreach and building connections between community members and political opportunities.
Program Coordinator👤
Marcia Smellie
Committed to empowering community members with the tools and knowledge to participate fully in democracy.
Program Administrator
Upcoming
View All Events
Events & Community Activities
Jun
27
Youth Engagement Event in Kitchener
An engaging session for young people to learn about civic participation and political leadership.
Jul
17
AfroVibes Panel: Building The Creative Economy
Panel discussion on how the creative economy intersects with political representation and community power.
Jun
20
59th Annual KW Multicultural Festival
Join us at the Multicultural Festival — a celebration of the diversity that makes Waterloo Region great.
Aug
13
Community Employment & Resource Fair
Connecting community members with employment resources, civic tools, and Project 3000 voter registration.
Stay Informed
All News
Latest News
📰
Federal News
Mark Carney Elected as New Prime Minister of Canada
The former Bank of Canada governor leads the Liberal Party to victory, pledging affordability, housing, and climate action.
March 14, 2025
Read More →
🏛️
Provincial News
Ontario Provincial Election 2025 Results
Doug Ford's PCs win a third straight majority, taking 80 of 124 seats. Voter turnout sits around 45%.
February 28, 2025
Read More →
🗺️
Regional News
Local Ridings to Watch in Waterloo Region
Once-secure ridings are seeing renewed competition as parties rally around housing, healthcare, and transit.
January 23, 2025
Read More →
Inspiration
Words That Move Us Forward
We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.
Black History is not just for Black people. Black History is Canadian History.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.