Cascade launches new leadership development program, Electoral Cycles!

As we roll into election season, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our latest leadership development program, Electoral Cycles!

Building on Cascade Bicycle Club's mission to create better communities through bicycling and the success of our Advocacy Leadership Institute, Electoral Cycles will train a diverse group of people from across the Puget Sound region to help elect pro-bicycling candidates and pass ballot measures to help bicycling.

Electoral Cycles is a hands-on, six-month leadership development program that will empower local bicycle advocates and enthusiasts with the skills necessary to help elect pro-bicycling champions. The program will run from June 4 through November 12, meeting (almost) every other week on Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. in downtown Seattle. Participants are expected to attend at least 10 of the 12 meetings and spend 4-5 hours each week on related responsibilities.

Through VIP guest speakers, training on technical skills and direct work on campaigns, participants will learn how to get pro-bicycling champions elected the best way possible: by actually doing it!

By the end of election season in November, you'll have the skills, encouragement and support to effectively:

• Inspire others with your personal story;
• Plan an electoral campaign;
• Identify, recruit, empower and lead teams of volunteers;
• Target and contact voters;
• Deliver a powerful message that moves votes;
• Research candidates and issues;
• Throw an awesome party that builds power; and
• Win elections.

This isn't a class where you study theory in an ivory tower. Participants in Electoral Cycles will apply their skills directly on pro-bicycling campaigns.

Never been involved in electoral politics? That's okay; we'll give you all the tools you need as long as you bring the enthusiasm and commitment. A veteran political organizer who's worked on dozens of campaigns? That's great! We'd love to learn from your experience.