Learn the 3 Ways Our Team Rallies Support for Nature
A version of this blog was originally published in 2024
Outreach is the foundation of nearly everything we do at CPAWS. We advocate for the effective, long-term protection of ecologically and culturally significant land, freshwater, and ocean areas in Manitoba.
However, we can only do this with the support and the signatures of Manitobans who care. That’s why we have an outreach team at local events across the city, and Manitoba collecting signatures for our many campaigns. But what really is outreach?
Our outreach has 3 main pillars: postcards, events, and our team.
Postcards
Did you know since our Manitoba chapter of CPAWS was founded in 1991, CPAWS Manitoba has played a role in creating 23 parks and protected areas? A big reason why is because of thousands of Manitobans signing postcards every day!
Our postcard campaigns are like mini petitions—each signature is a powerful call to action. At farmers’ markets, festivals, and community events, we invite people to sign a card to let the government know they care about preserving nature for future generations.
Why do these postcards matter so much? When you sign one, it gets noticed. Each letter, email, or postcard that arrives in a minister’s office is carefully logged, requiring a written response from the government. It’s your voice on their desks!
Current Postcard Campaigns
Our postcard campaign cover crucial conservation efforts like:
- Budget 2026: Recommending 6 actions for the Manitoba government to implement in Budget 2026 to prioritize nature conservation.
- Manitoba’s Lands and Waters: Calling on the government to develop an action plan to help achieve its ambitious commitment protect 30% of Manitoba’s lands and waters by 2030.
- Balance in Hudson Bay: Supporting efforts to establish a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in Western Hudson Bay to help safeguard wildlife and sustain coastal communities.
- Health of the Interlake: Protecting the health of the southeastern Interlake’s thriving natural landscape so it can continue to provide sustainable economic opportunities and support our cherished cultures.
- Preserving the Hudson Bay Lowlands: Supporting the work of five Nayhenaway Ininisewinuk (Cree) Nations leading the Kitaskeenan Kaweekanawaynitamuk Indigenous Protected Area project to safeguard these lands and waters for the future, honouring culture, protecting wildlife, and keeping traditions alive.
- Saving the Seal River Watershed: Working together with Four First Nations, and others to protect one of the last great wild places on our planet as an Indigenous Protected Area.
- Investing in Assiniboine Forest: Expanding Winnipeg’s greenspaces to support the physical and mental health of residents and to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“I want people to realize that one person can make a huge difference in the world. Every signature we collect helps to bring us closer to our goal of protecting as much of Manitoba as we can,” says Deb, CPAWS Manitoba Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.
At our events, you’ll spot our big green tent. Here’s where the magic happens—signatures roll in, and we collect them all in anticipation of delivering them in large, visually powerful batches to the legislature. Each one adds a little more pressure for action!
Events
From farmers’ markets to festivals, our team is always on the move, sharing our message with new audiences.
These events are about building community, raising awareness, and showing that Manitobans care. Plus, they help us connect with government officials who attend, keeping CPAWS Manitoba’s name and mission front and center.
Why do we love events so much? Well, they help us:
- Find new supporters: We meet people who are passionate about the same things we are!
- Stay connected with our community: Every interaction strengthens the bond between CPAWS and the people we serve.
- Be seen by decision-makers: The more visible we are, the harder we are to ignore
Want to know where to find us? Look out for our booth at these spots every year!
- South Osborne Farmers’ Market
- Wolseley Farmers’ Market
- Assiniboine Park (Pollinator Garden or Journey to Churchill)
- East St. Paul Farmers’ Market
- Bronx Park Farmers’ Market
- Winnipeg Fringe Festival
- Winnipeg Pride Festival
You can also visit our outreach team at all CPAWS Manitoba events! We’re always popping up in new places, so keep an eye out—we might be setting up near you soon!
“My favourite part of this job is meeting new people and connecting with them based on our mutual love and care for the environment. I get to see so many places and meet different folks across our beautiful province!” said Elyce, Conservation Outreach Assistant.
Our Team
Behind every postcard and event is a team of passionate people working to make a difference. Our outreach team sets up our booths, interacts with the community, and educates people on why CPAWS matters.
But the work doesn’t stop there. After the events, our team sorts through the postcards, inputs data, and organizes each signature to ensure every voice is heard. We also send out thank-you emails to our supporters and keep our board members and community updated on the progress we’ve made.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteers who support us every step of the way. Their dedication and passion for conservation shine through in everything they do, from engaging the community through outreach and leading our Nature Club, to handling essential office data, empowering our education team, and strengthening our communications. Each volunteer brings unique skills and energy, making our impact in protecting nature even stronger. We couldn’t do it without them!
You can help make a difference for Manitoba by joining our team of volunteers. Sign up today!
“I love the diversity of the people that I get to meet. You get people from all walks of life who come together and share a common goal. I like bringing people together who might not otherwise get to meet, whether it be on one of our hikes or persuading someone to sign one of our postcards. I get to witness new friendships with people and nature!” says Deb, CPAWS Manitoba Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.
Credit: Deb Gay-de Vries
At CPAWS Manitoba, our outreach team is the key to protecting our province’s precious wild spaces. Through our postcard campaigns, community events, and dedicated team, we empower everyday Manitobans to make their voices heard. Whether you’re signing a postcard, attending one of our events, or volunteering with us, your support helps us make real progress in keeping Manitoba wild.
LEARN MORE:
If you’re passionate about conservation, we’d love to have you on our team! Whether you’re helping out at an outreach table, joining one of our hikes, or lending a hand in the office, we’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us build a community of conservation champions.
Stop by our office at 7-875 Corydon Avenue on Mondays from 5-8 PM, or shoot us an email at info@cpawsmb.org or deb@cpawsmb.to learn more.