From Campus to Candidate — A Practical Introduction to Political Life

• In-person event
• A602, Loeb Building, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

Instructor:
Patrick Mayangi, Multilingual Public Affairs Strategist and Former Political Candidate

This session introduces students to the real-world pathways from university life into electoral politics. Using Patrick Mayangi’s own journey—from student to municipal and provincial candidate—as a living case study, participants will gain a practical roadmap for political involvement, understand the realities of campaigning, and learn what resources, mindset, and strategies are required to go from political interest to political action.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand a real-world pathway into politics in Canada.
• Identify key stages and decision points in preparing for political life.
• Discuss the role of political parties and how to choose/navigate party affiliation.
• Develop a personal action plan for next steps toward political involvement.

Patrick Mayangi is a multilingual public affairs strategist with experience across all levels of Canadian government. He was a candidate in the 2019 Rideau-Rockcliffe Municipal By-election and represented the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in both the 2020 Ottawa-Vanier By-election and the 2022 Ontario General Election under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford. Fluent in English, French, German, and Lingala, Patrick brings an inclusive, global perspective to politics, grounded in community engagement, cross-cultural advocacy, and firsthand experience navigating policy and campaigning.

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