SUBMITTED ARTICLE
Salt Spring is a place where people care deeply about their community, and don’t shy away from engagement. But when it comes to who steps forward to lead, some voices are still missing.
On Saturday, May 9 at 6 p.m., ArtSpring will host an evening that invites a more open, honest conversation about what leadership really looks like and who it’s for.
The night begins with a screening of Prime Minister, a documentary about former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern, who argued that the most important leadership qualities are the same ones we try to teach our children: empathy, curiosity, bravery and kindness.
That conversation will then come closer to home, with a panel of Islands Trust Council chair and local trustee Laura Patrick, Salt Spring Local Community Commission member Gayle Baker and Central Saanich councillor Sarah Riddell.
Together, they’ll speak candidly about their experiences in public life: what’s rewarding, what’s difficult and what often goes unspoken.
“Politics can look harsh and impossible from the outside, and for that reason, many people think it’s not for them,” said Riddell. “And of course there are tough moments, but there are so many beautiful ones of connection, collaboration and meaningful change. We want to share the full picture.”
Salt Spring has a strong culture of civic engagement, but like many communities, women remain underrepresented among local elected officials.
“Local government works best when it reflects the community it serves,” said Patrick. “And that means creating space for more diverse voices at the table.”
The goal of the evening isn’t to convince anyone to run for office, but to make the idea feel more accessible.
“For me, leadership is simply about the basics: listening, understanding, caring and having the courage to support changes,” said Baker. “Exactly the lessons I taught my children, it is now time for their generation, especially our young women, to move into leadership roles.”
With local elections approaching this fall, organizers hope the conversation will resonate with those who are curious, questioning or quietly considering getting involved.
The event is non-partisan, free to attend and open to all.
Tickets are available through the ArtSpring box office at artspring.ca.