Advocacy Academy
Advocacy Academy is a combination of online classes, individual assignments, and in-the-field work. You and your fellow academy members will learn about important topics related to transit, and learn to advocate around timely public transit decisions this fall, such as RTD’s bus network redesign, the Speer Blvd/Leetsdale Blvd/Parker Rd study for Bus Rapid Transit, and more.
Our curriculum will give you the tools to make a difference in your neighborhood, your city, and in Colorado. And we’ll have fun! You’ll learn about:
- Who makes decisions about transit and how to influence them
- The most effective strategies for improving the safety of our streets
- Time-tested grassroots skills like harnessing social media, working with the media, and building relationships with elected officials, and building power through a coalition
- How to cut through red tape to get better sidewalks and bike lanes in your neighborhood
- The keys to frequent and reliable transit, and more
At the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll receive an Advocacy Certificate from the Denver Streets Partnership. As a member of DSP’s Advocacy Academy Alumni, you’ll have the opportunity to become a supervolunteer, helping DSP do more, more efficiently!
There is no cost to participate in the program. $750 stipends are available for participants who complete the program.
This program will be offered in English only. If you speak both Spanish and English, consider applying for our other fall program, Transit Promotores.
Learn more and compare DSP’s two advocacy certificate programs.
Application Process
- This program is open to people who live within the RTD District Area.
- Complete this short application.
- Application deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST
- If you’re under age 18, be sure to ask your parent’s or guardian’s permission.
- Space is limited to 15 participants.
Time Commitment
Each week, participants should expect to dedicate three hours to the program.
- Wednesday evenings for 90-minute classes, September 9-November 11, 2026
- The first class, September 9, and the last class, November 11, will be in-person, location TBD. Food and transit passes will be provided for these classes.
- Participants must be present and engaged for at least 8 classes in order to receive the stipend.
- Each week you’ll complete a tactical assignment designed to make a difference on a decision happening during the program or soon afterward.
- 2-3 times over the course of the program, participants will meet online individually with a designated Denver Streets Partnership mentor to get help on assignments, get questions answered, and get to know each other a little better.
Past Class Examples
History of Inequity
Content – How we avoid past mistakes and bring equity forward
Skill – Understanding built-in inequities
Product – Action plan for ways you can bring equity into your work
Shining a Spotlight Through the Media
Content – Traditional media and ways to generate stories that shine a spotlight on your community’s needs
Skill – Generating media attention through events and opinion pieces
Product – Plan a media event
Knock, Knock
Content – How to lobby your elected official and work with the city officials that are at the heart of transportation decision making
Skill – Lobbying
Product – Setting up a meeting with your City Council member or RTD Board member
Coalition Building
Content – From neighborhood associations to local businesses, building a group of groups that can work together
Skill – Building a coalition of groups and businesses
Product – Sign on letter