November 8, 2024
By Katie Borgfjord, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Outreach is the foundation of almost everything we do at CPAWS. As our mission states, we advocate for the effective, long-term protection of ecologically and culturally significant land, freshwater, and ocean areas in Canada. However, we can only do this with the support and signatures of Manitobans that care.
That’s why we have an outreach team at events all across Manitoba collecting signatures for our campaigns. But what really is outreach? Our outreach has 3 main pillars: postcards, events, and our team.
Postcards:
Did you know that since our chapter was founded in 1991, CPAWS Manitoba has played a role in creating 23 parks and protected areas? And a big reason why is thanks to thousands of postcards signed by everyday Manitobans who want to protect our wilderness!
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 our wild spaces.
Our campaigns cover crucial conservation efforts like:
- 30% by 2030: Calling for 30% of Manitoba’s lands and waters to be protected by 2030.
- Protect Manitoba’s Lands and Waters: Advocating alongside Fisher River Cree Nation to protect important cultural lands.
- Polar Bears Need Your Help: Shining a spotlight on the critical Hudson Bay Lowlands.
- Protect Hudson’s Bay: Advocating for marine protection in Hudson Bay.
“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 “Keep Manitoba Wild” 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!
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!
Events:
We don’t just wait for people to come to us—we get out there! From farmers’ markets to festivals, our team is always on the move, sharing our message with new audiences.
These events are about more than signatures—they’re 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
At these events, we also sell our CPAWS merchandise to support our campaigns and give out vinyl stickers to spread our “Keep Manitoba Wild” message. Huge shoutout to StickerCanada for helping us share our love for wild spaces! (Looking for custom vinyl stickers? Check them out at stickercanada.com).
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 events! We’re always popping up in new places, so keep an eye out—we might be setting up near you soon!
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.
“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.
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!
Sign up here: https://cpawsmb.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application/
“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.
Join us in safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come—because together, we can make a lasting impact. Sign a postcard, spread the word, and help protect the wild spaces that make Manitoba so special!
HOW TO LEARN MORE:
If you’re as passionate about conservation as we are, we’d love to have you on board! 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 [email protected] or [email protected] learn more.