Take Action
Are you moved to create change? Here are some things you can do!
Share your views and concerns with others
Important things happen when people begin to question the way things work and the way things should be. Talk to your family, friends, and neighbours about the changes you want to see in your community. Listen to the stories of other women. Share your stories with UNPAC by writing us at stories@unpac.ca.
Communicate with government
There are many different ways you can reach government decision-makers.
Write a letter
If you are concerned about something in your community, why not write a letter to your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) - who is your local elected decision-maker - and tell them about it? At the end of our workshops, participants get the chance to write to their MLAs telling them about the priorities for their communities. In meetings with government we have been encouraged to keep the letters coming! Because not many people actually take the time to write letters to their MLAs, when MLAs do receive a letter, as a general rule they consider them to be representative of the views of 25 other constituents! Click here for a sample letter that you can adapt and mail. The more specific your letter the better. It's a good idea to name programs that have worked for you and women in your community. To get the address of your MLA visit Who is my MLA?
Visit
Whether or not you voted for her/him, your MLA has a public obligation to represent her/his constituents' views in the Legislature. Visit your elected representative and let her/him know what your priorities are for government spending and revenue. Click here for Tips for Meeting with Decision-makers.
Be involved in elections
Elections are an important way in which we can exercise our democratic rights and engage our future elected leaders. Whether your want to organize an election forum, volunteer with a candidate's campaign, organize a media event or just ask your candidates smart questions, UNPAC's helpful election primers can help you be involved during election times.
Attend a public budget consultation
Each fall Manitoba Finance Minister Greg Selinger organizes Public Budget Consultations in different communities around the provinice. We encourage Manitoba women to attend these consultations. If you are unable to attend or there is no consultation scheduled near where you live, consider filling in the on-line questionnaire or submitting your ideas in writing.
Make a presentation or submission on an issue that matters to you
Public input is often sought as governments develop new policy. Anyone is welcome to make a submission. Stay tuned to the media and to government news releases to find ways to have your say.
See the Advocacy section of our Women and the Economy site for more information on how to engage with government.
Engage in economic alternatives
Women everywhere are finding creative ways to survive and make do. In many cases women are able to create alternative economies where labour is traded, goods are bartered, and common problems are addressed on a community level, without the use of money. Some examples of economic alternatives women engage in are:
- Child care co-ops
- Community kitchens
- Sharing hand-me-downs
- Growing food
- Cutting coupons
- Car-pooling
See more Economic Alternatives to Try at Home.
Use the media
The media has a tremendous impact on public opinion, and on government. Art, creativity, and humour are wonderful means of getting media attention and making people think without making them feel defensive. The Femme Fiscale has helped us reach a broad audience in a memorable way. It’s important to use the media not only to educate the broader population but also because governments tend to respond a lot more quickly when an issue shows up in the newspaper or on TV.
UNPAC makes use of the media to advertise upcoming workshops, comment on government policy, and publicize the priorities of women.
Click here to see UNPAC's media primers.
Recent UNPAC media hits :
Province gets so-so grade on equality - Winnipeg Free Press - March 9, 2010.
Women's groups give NDP C+ grade - Winnipeg Sun - March 9, 2010
The Price of Motherhood - Winnipeg Free Press - May 24, 2009. (quotes us)
Women won't benefit from cutting taxes - Winnipeg Free Press - March 22, 2009. (op ed)
Workshops aim to empower women - Brandon Sun - February 3, 2009.
Learn more about the issues
Many organization publish reports and papers that give background information on specific topics. Make use of these resources and let others know that they exist.
For more ideas visit Learn More.
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