Making a Case for Heritage: Communicating Your Message

Once you have developed your case, it is time to share your message.

It is important to craft your messages according to the medium of communication and for the recipient. You will want a more formal style when writing to the mayor, but a casual tone when preparing a Facebook post.

Here are some ideas on sharing your information. Not all of these may seem necessary or appropriate for your situation, but keep in mind: the more people who hear your message, the greater your support. Acting on several fronts allows you to be more visible to your decision makers.

• Send a letter to the mayor and council. Every local government website provides either a joint email address or separate contacts. Your communication will become part of the public record.
• Meet with your mayor and councillors; one-on-one meetings can be particularly effective as it gives you the opportunity to customize your message to each person. More importantly, you have an opportunity to learn about their interests and priorities, as well as their gaps in knowledge, so that you can continue to strengthen your case.
• Write to and meet with your local MLA and MP or their senior staff.
• Deliver your message at Annual General Meetings and other public forums.
• Organize town hall meetings and other types of information sharing meetings and celebrations.
• Hand out flyers at fairs and other public events.
• Consider live streaming with services such as Facebook Live.
• Deliver your information through electronic newsletters; you can get greater mileage out of your information by spreading it out over several newsletters.
• Send a letter to the editor and radio station.
• Prepare an opinion piece for the local press.
• Prepare a series of bite-sized information statements for social media posts.
• Put your message on your website.

Tips for a Successful Communication Strategy:

• Do not assume people understand your situation. Help them to understand by offering relevant facts.
• To develop a community of advocates, provide resources that can be distributed as handouts or by email.
• Make your activities accessible by reducing barriers to participation.
• Deliver a clear message by using accessible language, avoiding jargon and acronyms.
• Always be open and responsive to any questions, suggestions, criticism, or comments.
• Craft your message for your audience and for the medium of communication.