Speaking Government · Dewling Strategies
Government Ask Planner
Build your ask the way government reads it: their priority first, a clear request, numbers that hold up, and the right people in the right order.
Example loaded. Riverbend Community Housing Society is fictional. Replace it with your own project.
Clear every field and start over?
Your project
Start in your own words. You'll translate it into government's language in the next step.
What is happening, to whom, and how big is it?
What you will build, run, or change.
Their priority
Government funds solutions to problems it has already promised to fix. Find the promise, then show how you deliver on it.
Order of government
Paraphrase what they've promised, in their words where you can.
Outcomes, in the numbers they report
Shelter stays, ER visits, units lost, waitlist growth.
Who to talk to
List the people you need. The planner sorts them into a recommended order: staff first, then allies, then political offices.
Why staff first? Program staff write the briefing note the minister reads. If they understand your ask, it arrives already shaped.
Check whether your meetings trigger lobbyist registration provincially or federally. Keep every relationship non-partisan so it outlasts an election.
The ask
One page, one request. If you can't say it in one sentence, you're not ready.
What you're asking for
Open with their priority, then the request.
Equity, land, partners, expertise, operating capacity.
Readiness
After the meeting
The meeting starts the relationship. Plan the follow-through before you walk in.
Within 48 hours
Announcements, site visits, ribbon-cuttings they can attend.
What you'll measure and how often they'll hear from you.
No surprises. If something goes sideways, tell your government contacts before they hear it elsewhere.
