Manitoba Stronger Together
Strategic Communications
Get templates, coaching, and support for effective public engagement.
Strategic communication is how everyday citizens become effective influencers. Whether you're writing a letter, giving a speech, or rallying your community, the right words — delivered the right way — can change minds, shape policy, and hold leaders accountable.
Section One
Why Strategic Communication Matters
Words can shape public policy. A well-timed letter, a clear delegation speech, or a unified group submission can have more impact than a thousand angry tweets.
When we speak clearly, respectfully, and strategically, our message cuts through the noise.
This page gives you the tools to do just that — with templates, guidance, and real-world examples.
In a noisy political environment, the most powerful tool you have isn't your anger — it’s your clarity. Strategic communication means delivering a message that’s focused, respectful, and impossible to ignore.
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Every day, elected officials hear complaints, outrage, and general noise. What cuts through?
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A thoughtful, well-worded email that references a specific bill.
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A speech delivered calmly and confidently at a committee hearing.
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A petition with real names and postal codes.
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A delegation that speaks with one voice and one goal.
This is the kind of communication that gets remembered. It shows that you understand the system, that you’re organized, and that you’re watching. And when it’s done by many, in coordination, it applies real pressure — the kind that influences votes and decisions.
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At Manitoba Stronger Together, we don’t just encourage you to speak up — we show you how to speak effectively, so that what you say actually matters. Strategic communication is about influence with integrity — and we’re here to help you master it.
Section Two
Letters and Emails to Elected Officials
What Works:
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Personal stories over general complaints
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Specific references to bills, votes, or policies
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A respectful tone — even when disagreeing
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A clear ask: vote a certain way, meet with you, respond to a concern
Included Templates:
MST Tip: Hand-written letters and phone calls often get more attention than mass emails.
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Despite the digital age, letters and emails remain some of the most effective tools for public influence. Why? Because they put a name, a voice, and a real story in front of an elected official — often at just the right time.
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A well-crafted message does more than register a complaint — it:
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Shows that the public is engaged
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Signals that someone is paying attention to votes and decisions
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Offers a clear, respectful perspective on how an issue affects real people
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Often becomes part of the official file — especially when related to legislation or committee hearings
But many people hesitate to write because they don’t know where to start.
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That’s why we offer practical templates — not to dictate what you say, but to help you get started with confidence. You can copy them directly, customize them, or simply use them as inspiration. Our goal is to make this approachable, not intimidating.
About the Templates
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The purpose of these templates is not to tell you what to say, but to:
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Remove the fear of starting from a blank page
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Give structure to your message (salutation, body, call to action)
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Ensure your communication is respectful, relevant, and focused
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Encourage personalization with your own tone, story, or passion
Whether you use them as-is or just as a spark, the goal is the same:
To help you speak up, speak clearly, and be heard.
Section Three
Speaking at Council or Committee
Many important decisions happen in public meetings — but few citizens show up prepared.
We help you:
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Understand how delegation and committee presentations work
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Time and format your presentation (usually 5–10 minutes)
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Anticipate and answer tough questions
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Present respectfully and with authority
Included Resources:
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Sample 5-minute speech
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Outline for preparing remarks
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“What to expect” checklist for first-time speakers
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Video examples from past MST contributors
[Watch a Sample Presentation →]
Speaking at a city council or legislative committee might feel intimidating — but it’s one of the most direct and impactful ways to make your voice heard in government.
When you show up in person (or virtually) with a calm, well-prepared message, you send a clear signal: citizens are watching, and they care.
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Most municipalities and legislative committees allow citizens to register as delegations or presenters, usually offering 5 to 10 minutes to speak.
This is your chance to:
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Explain how a proposed bylaw or bill affects your life or community
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Raise concerns or propose improvements
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Ensure your remarks become part of the official public record
The key is preparation. Elected officials appreciate speakers who:
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Stay on topic and within time
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Reference specific agenda items or legislation
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Speak respectfully, even when disagreeing
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Offer solutions, not just objections
We’ll help you succeed by providing:
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Video examples from past MST contributors
You don’t have to be a polished speaker or political expert. You just need to show up, speak clearly, and speak as yourself. That’s how real people influence real decisions.
Section Four
Engaging Local Media
If the public never hears your story, the pressure on officials fades.
We show you how to:
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Write a compelling letter to the editor
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Submit a local news op-ed
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Pitch your story to a radio show or community podcast
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Create a short video clip to share on social media
Included Tools:
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MST Tip: You don’t need to be a professional — just clear, truthful, and persistent.
Local media may not always reflect your perspective — but they remain one of the most powerful tools for raising awareness and holding officials accountable.
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Writing a compelling letter to the editor, submitting a well-timed op-ed, or speaking with a reporter can help:
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Put pressure on decision-makers
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Inspire other citizens to take action
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Reach beyond your immediate circle
You don’t have to be a professional writer. In fact, real, authentic voices are exactly what local outlets are hungry for.
Here are key ways you can engage:
Letters to the Editor
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150–250 words
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React to a recent article or event
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Make your point quickly and clearly — stick to one idea
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End with a call to action or statement of principle
Example: “Your recent coverage of Bill 34 missed the concerns of many rural Manitobans. This bill will directly impact local autonomy, and voters deserve transparency before it moves forward.”
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Opinion Editorials (Op-Eds)
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500–800 words
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Share your viewpoint, backed by logic, evidence, and real-life experience
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Offer solutions, not just complaints
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Send to multiple outlets, but personalize where possible
Responding to Reporters
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Always be polite, stay on message, and don’t speculate
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If you’re part of MST, let us help coordinate responses when needed
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Feel free to say, “I’ll get back to you” — then consult with our team or do research
Building Relationships
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Follow reporters who cover politics, education, or civic issues
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Thank them when they get something right
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Invite them to public MST events, meetings, or speaker nights
Engaging the media is about shaping the public conversation. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present, prepared, and principled.
Section Five
Rallying Your Community
Want to go bigger?
When coordinated communication happens across a riding, municipality, or province, elected officials take notice.
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We can support you in:
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[
Get Our Strategic Communications Guide →]
Big change rarely happens alone. Whether you're trying to stop a harmful policy, support a candidate, or push for a local reform — rallying others to stand with you multiplies your voice and influence.
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This doesn’t mean organizing a massive protest (though that’s sometimes needed). It often starts much smaller: a kitchen-table meeting, a shared email chain, a local call to action. The goal is to connect people who care, focus their efforts, and make your concerns visible.
Here’s how to get started:
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Find your core 3–5 people who share your concern
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Set up a private group chat, email list, or Zoom to plan
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Choose a clear action — attending a council meeting, delivering a petition, holding a town hall
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Assign simple roles: one person contacts the media, another writes a letter, another speaks at the event
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Document everything with photos and summaries — this builds momentum and credibility
You don’t need permission to organize your neighbors. You just need a purpose, a little courage, and a willingness to reach out.
When people see others step up, they’re far more likely to get involved themselves. Your leadership can inspire action that ripples outward.
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“First it was just three of us — by the next month, our school board meeting was standing-room only.”
Section Six
Final Call to Action
If you don’t speak — someone else decides for you.
We’re here to help you speak wisely, publicly, and with purpose.
Start small. Start local. But start now.
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[Request a Coaching Session →]
[Join Our Next Communications Workshop →]