Defend Alberta Parks lawn sign

CPAWS Southern Alberta Blog

Toolkit for effective action

Taking political action or communicating with your elected officials doesn’t have to be a daunting task!

If you are passionate about an issue, we want to make sure you have all the tools you need to be heard. Check out our tips and resources below to help you form your conversation, or get your letter started.




How can you have the most impact?

If you take the time to craft a personal letter or share a story, that extra effort will not go unnoticed by your elected officials. The most impactful action you can take is the one that allows you to share your voice. Your stories. Your experiences. You don’t have to be an expert on the issue to do this! Let your elected officials know why this issue personally matters to you, and share your connection with nature. 

Writing a Letter

Don’t forget to check out our detailed tips on how to write an effective letter here. We’ve also attached some sample letters below that utilize our top tips for getting heard.

Remember to be respectful, be clear and concise, and personalize your letter! Most importantly – make sure that you’re writing to the right person. Consider whether the issue is a federal or provincial one. Consider which cabinet minister is responsible for the issue. Use the following tools to determine who you need to write to and contact us if you are unsure:

Sample Letter 1

From our Defend Alberta Parks Campaign, this sample letter includes all the essentials you need to get started on writing your own!

Sample Letter 2

This sample letter, taken from our Stop Grassy Mountain campaign, shows how even a short and sweet letter can be very effective. Don’t be afraid to share your story!

Having a conversation.

Be sure to review our tips for crafting a letter, as most apply to having a conversation over the phone or in-person as well. Watch the below video to learn more about how to get started on your phone call or in-person meeting with your elected officials.

How to call your MLA

Watch this quick video to see an example of how to phone your MLA in order to discuss an issue important to you. In this example, a concerned citizen is calling to voice their concerns over park protections in Alberta.

Youth action

Just because you can’t vote yet doesn’t mean you can’t share your voice! Check out examples from youth taking action on real issues here in Alberta. As changemakers, you have already contributed to REAL CHANGE in our province. Keep it up – and don’t stop speaking out!

Protect the Bighorn

Letters such as this one from grade 12 student, Kelsey, help to protect ecologically important landscapes like the Bighorn.

Grizzly Bear Recovery

Springbank High School students were concerned about grizzly bear protection in Alberta and decided to do a letter-writing campaign.

See the response from Minister Shannon Phillips here.

DIY Action!

If you’re passionate about an issue, create your own postcard and let your elected officials know why this issue is so important to you.

Downloadable postcards

Check out our selection of downloadable postcards to down to get started on your letter!

Now that you have the tools, start taking action today.


Check out our current campaigns.