In Canada, Mute Swans eggs and nests are destroyed in Burlington, Hamilton, Pickering, and Toronto. Municipalities are the decision-makers so a great way to speak up for the swans is to write to your municipal Councillor and advocate for change.
Finding your Councillor: You can find your Councillor by searching for “find my Councillor” in your city or town. You may need to find your ward first by entering your address or looking at ward maps available on municipal websites. That search should lead you to their name, email, and mailing address.
In other parts of the world, such as in the US where Mute Swan management and culls also happen, the decision-maker may not be the municipal Councillor. Once you find out who your decision-maker is you can also follow the guidance below.
Where to send your letter: Consider mailing a physical letter – typed or better yet, handwritten – to your Councillor’s constituency office address. Emailing is, of course, also an option, but politicians are flooded with emails and their staff often manage them so an email could get lost.
What to write: An original letter will have the most impact so consider drafting your own. While expressing how strongly you feel, the tone should be respectful. The goal is to present yourself as a rational advocate and win them over. You can follow the suggested outline below.
Sample letter: Below is a template letter you can send as is or modify. Letters are strongest if you add some personalized touches, such as about your local swans or why you care for them, but every letter counts.
Increasing your impact: Volume matters. The more letters politicians get about an issue the more they understand the extent of the community concern. Consider encouraging friends and neighbours to write. Host a letter writing party where 10, or 20, or 30 of you sit down to write notes. Or make postcards where people add short messages supporting the swans. Drop these notes off at the constituency office or mail one every day or every week to keep the issue in front of them.
We’re here to help: Please feel free to reach out if you need any help. You can reach us any time at info@muteswansociety.org.