The second graduating class of Advocacy Leadership Institute is ready to make change in Seattle

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Over the past three months, a group of 18 motivated community members gathered each week to learn how to better advocate for safe streets for bicycling, and how to connect communities in Seattle.

Now, these 18 people can call themselves proud graduates of Cascade’s Advocacy Leadership Institute, a free program that consists of a series of  trainings and workshops extending over three months. At these meetings, Cascade’s Policy, Planning and Government Affairs staff teach community members how to organize in their community, communicate a shared vision for bicycling, advocate for better bicycle plans, policies (including the funding to implement them) and execute the strategies and tactics necessary to get a connected network of world-class bikeways built in Seattle.

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Emily Kathrein (left), Cascade’s Field Programs Manager and Craig Benjamin (right) with the Spring 2013 ALI graduates.

With our second graduating class ready to get to work, Cascade has trained a total of 36 Community Bicycle Advocates to work in Seattle neighborhoods, and we'll be launching a third session in the fall.

Our goal is to develop and train another batch of 15-20 local bicycle advocates and enthusiasts into leaders that will help us achieve our shared vision of a fully connected Seattle where everyone can safely ride a bike. Be sure to keep up with Cascade’s news to find out specific dates that will be released later this summer.

Cascade’s Advocacy Leadership Institute is a rigorous leadership development program, and while we offer it at no charge to you, if accepted, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the Cascade mission of creating better communities through bicycling, attend at least seven out of the eight workshops, engage in the update of the Bicycle Master Plan, and continue to advocate for the policies, plans and funding necessary to create a more bikeable Seattle. To help mix things up over the course of the program, we will host a number of VIP guest speakers to give you firsthand knowledge from the experts.

Upon completion of the program, you will be awarded the title of “Community Bicycle Advocate” (and, of course, get a certificate and awesome T-shirt) but more importantly, you will have the skills and knowledge to organize, advocate and hold City of Seattle staff and leaders accountable for making Seattle a more bike-friendly city. In addition, we’ll continue to offer opportunities for you to develop new skills and apply them, network with other leaders within the bike movement and engage with Cascade Bicycle Club’s staff, Board members and Executive Director. It’s a big family, and we look forward to welcoming you.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Advocacy Leadership Institute, send a short email to Emily Kathrein at Emily.kathrein@cascadebicycleclub.org and I will be in contact with you to answer any questions.

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