In a recent blog post, we let slip that 2015 would bring some changes to our signature Winning Campaigns Trainings. These trainings use a traditional grassroots organizing model to teach participants to plan, fund, and run campaigns that will transform the transportation landscape in their cities and states. In 2014, 120 biking and walking advocates from 64 organizations in 36 cities and 13 states attended WCT trainings. Over the past eight years, the Alliance has facilitated 37 of these events.
In the past, the Alliance would schedule workshops through one annual application process. But the big change this year is that we're switching to a focus on customized campaign trainings, offered on a rolling basis to organizations and coalitions in need of a strategic reboot.
Over the past year, we've found ourselves leaning more in this direction. We facilitated a training in Minneapolis for community partner organizations working together to develop Bikeways for Everyone. With the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition still reeling from the defeat of a transportation funding referendum, the Alliance led a two-day training early last year to help the Coalition move forward with a new strategy. And we designed a custom training for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the PeopleForBikes Green Lane Project to train 22 advocates from 20 cities around the U.S. on the secrets to success in building connected bike networks.
This year, we're doubling down on this model. We'll be tailoring trainings to your organization's priorities, opportunities, and collaboration efforts.
As a local host, you'll work with Alliance staff to coordinate event logistics, including securing the venue and catering. You'll also invite the participants and raise $5,000 in local sponsorship. We'll do the rest. We'll manage registrations and scholarships, help raise local sponsorship, and send two experienced organizers and facilitators to conduct 15 hours of our developed curriculum. We'll also provide campaign planning materials.
If your organization is ready to plan a major coordinated campaign, let's work together to schedule a Winning Campaigns Training for your group. You don't need to undergo the same application process as in the past. Just drop Naomi a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give her a buzz at (504) 324-4138 if you’re interested in hosting a training.
