How to Write an Op-ed Workshop for IBPOC

How to Write an Op-ed is a 2.5-hour interactive workshop designed for IBPOC activists and community organizers. Participants will gain practical skills to write compelling op-eds, identify their unique perspective, and turn their expertise and lived experience into persuasive media pieces.

Through guided exercises and group discussion, participants will practice brainstorming topics, crafting hooks and structures, and analyzing real op-eds. The session also covers pitching strategies, timing, and audience, giving participants a practical roadmap to publication.

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a concrete op-ed premise, a clear plan for structuring their piece, and confidence to start writing with impact.

This workshop equips participants with the tools to write and publish impactful opinion editorials, ensuring that IBPOC voices are represented in Canadian media. By participating in this training, individuals gain the skills, confidence, and strategies to influence public dialogue, shape narratives, and contribute critically and meaningfully to media and community conversations.

• Why IBPOC voices matter in opinion writing
• What is an op-ed?
• Types of op-eds
• Generating ideas and finding your premise
• Crafting strong hooks and ledes
• Structure and elements of a compelling op-ed
• Pitching to editors: timing, strategy, and publication tips

馬勻雅 Melody Yun Ya Ma is a community organizer and public writer. She was a contributing columnist for Toronto Star and The Tyee, and is currently a regular contributor to Rungh magazine. Her writing has also been published in The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, and other national, local, and industry publications, including the award-winning book, White Riot. She has also helped many activists edit their op-eds and get them published. Melody currently serves on the board of The Tyee and is a fellow of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, EU Global Cultural Relations Programme, University of Guelph, and The Dais at the Toronto Metropolitan University.

“I loved the practical-ness of it all! I came into this workshop wanting to know how to write an op-ed and that's exactly what I got. I am super happy!”

“Exercises were really helpful, to apply what we had just learned. Size of workshop made it more intimate, less intimidating and gave everyone a chance to really participate.“

Please bring a laptop and/or a physical copy of a recent newspaper, a notebook and pen. If you need accomodations, please contact us at [email protected] prior to the event for arrangements.

Tickets are sliding scale with a suggested contribution of $25 to help cover speaker honouraria, refreshments, programming, equipment, insurance, utilities, and other venue operational costs of 客家 HAKKA HOUSE, a volunteer-run, non-profit community space. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you prefer to donate in cash or would like a free ticket, please email us at [email protected] for arrangements.

This talk will be in spoken English.

This is a mask-mandatory and scent-free event for the health and safety of all attendees, considering the size and layout of our small, close-knit, indoor space. All participants must wear a mask while in the space. Attendees who do not wear a mask will not be able to participate or please let us know if you had medical circumstances that prevent you from wearing a mask. Masks may be briefly removed for quick sips of water and must be replaced immediately afterward. Refreshments will be provided after the event and can be consumed in the food court outside the space. We encourage participants to bring their own masks. Masks will also be available free on site.

Hosted by 客家 HAKKA HOUSE and Critical Alternatives.

Tea and light refreshments will be provided complimentary of 客家 HAKKA HOUSE.

• Masking: This is a mask-mandatory and scent-free event for the health and safety of all attendees, considering the size and layout of our small, close-knit, indoor space. All participants must wear a mask while in the space. Attendees who do not wear a mask will not be able to participate or please let us know if you had medical circumstances that prevent you from wearing a mask. Masks may be briefly removed for quick sips of water and must be replaced immediately afterward. Refreshments can be consumed in the concourse outside the space. We encourage participants to bring their own masks. Masks will also be available free on site.
• Ticketing: Tickets are sliding scale with a suggested contribution of $25 to help cover speaker honouraria, refreshments, programming, equipment, insurance, utilities, and other venue operational costs of 客家 HAKKA HOUSE, a volunteer-run, non-profit community space. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you prefer to donate in cash or would like a free ticket, please email us at [email protected] for arrangements.
• Language: This talk will be in spoken English.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The space is accessible to standard-sized wheelchairs.
• Seating: Wooden chair setting will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring a small pillow or cushion for back support.
• Scent Policy: To support participants with chemical sensitivities, attendees are kindly asked to refrain from wearing scented products (including perfume, cologne, and heavily scented personal care products).
• Washrooms: Gendered, wheelchair-accessible public washrooms are available inside Chinatown Plaza Mall.
• Photography and Videography: Photography and videography may be in use during this event. By registering for a ticket and attending, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or recorded for promotional and archival purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please inform the event organizers in person prior to the start of the event.
• Transit: Chinatown is accessible by public transit via SkyTrain and bus. The closest SkyTrain station is Stadium–Chinatown. Bus routes in the area include the 3, 8, 19, and 22.
• Parking: Paid parking is available at the Chinatown Plaza Mall parkade. Free street parking is available in Strathcona.

If you have access needs or questions not addressed here, please contact us at [email protected] prior to the event.

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Host or Publisher 客家 HAKKA HOUSE