Advocacy Academy 2023: TBD

Stay tuned for information on a 2023 Advocacy Academy, and learn more about 2022’s program below. Interested in joining this year’s Advocacy Academy? Fill out this interest form.

Our transportation system does not meet the needs of Coloradans and does not align with our shared commitment toward a healthier and more-connected quality of life. Rather than sustainably investing in providing people good travel options, for decades Colorado has poured a disproportionate amount of money into large highway expansion projects for cars, deepening our dependence on driving. Access to reliable, affordable, and safe transportation options is essential for addressing systemic disparities in health outcomes and access to housing, food, education, employment, justice and recreation. If you believe that and are ready to do something to help, we need you!

Join the Denver Streets Partnership’s Advocacy Academy: an 8-week certificate program to give you the tools, expertise, experience, and connections to be a mobility leader. All ages are welcome. (If you’re under 18, ask your parent’s or guardian’s permission.)

The academy is a combination of online classes and in-the-field work. You and your fellow academy members will advocate around timely public transit decisions this spring such as RTD’s Fare and Pass Study, the Reimagine RTD process, the rollout of federal funding from the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Denver Moves Everyone 2050.

We believe people move and connect in different ways and every person should have equitable access to their transportation system. We need to transform our transportation system by significantly expanding the dollars going into travel options in the Denver region. With the influx in federal and state transportation funding right now, it’s time to raise our voices and participate in decisions that will determine Denver’s transportation future. The DSP Coalition is made up of a diverse group of partners so you’ll learn from the best!

Our curriculum will give you the tools to make a difference in your neighborhood and in Colorado. And we’ll have fun! You’ll learn about:

• The most effective strategies for improving the safety of our streets
• Time-tested grassroots skills like working with the media, coalition building, lobbying and community mobilization
• How to cut through red tape to get better sidewalks and bike lanes in your neighborhood
• The keys to affordable and accessible transit, and more

At the end of the 8 weeks, you’ll receive an Advocacy Certificate from the Denver Streets Partnership. As a member of DSP’s Advocacy Academy Alumni group, you’ll receive updates with opportunities to stay engaged and make connections!

There is no cost to participate in the program. $1,000 stipends are available for participants.

Application Process

• This program is open to people who live within the RTD District Area.
• Application deadline: Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MST. If you missed your chance to apply but are still interested, please fill out this form. 
• If you’re under age 18, be sure to ask your parent’s or guardian’s permission.
• Space is limited to 12 participants for the spring 2022 session.

Time Commitment

Each week, participants should expect to dedicate three to five hours to the program.

• Monday evenings: 90-minute online class.
• Every other week, participants will meet online individually with a designated Denver Streets Partnership mentor.
• Each week you’ll complete a tactical assignment designed to make a difference on a decision happening right now.

Examples of Past Curriculum

Introduction to People Friendly Streets
What are they, how to make change in Denver, and how you can be your own best advocate
Skill – Identifying and articulating a local transportation need through storytelling
Product – A video, blog or letter that you create that tells your personal transportation story

History of Inequity
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
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
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

Get on the Social Media Bus
Why engaging in social media is important and how to do it effectively
Skill – Using social media channels to promote people friendly streets
Product – Series of social media posts and building a social media presence

Not Everyone Thinks Like You: Persuade Your Community
How to understand where people are coming from and bring them to your side
Skill – Listening and understanding motivations
Product – Write and submit a letter-to-the-editor in your newspaper

Coalition Building
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

Grassroots Pedal Power
How to demonstrate broad support for your community needs
Skill – Generating broad grassroots support via petitions and letters
Product – Letters from neighbors, friends, and family

Who Ya Gonna Call? Your Neighbor!
How to run a phone bank
Skill – Phone banking
Product – Generate phone calls to local officials

Transforming Transportation
A history of why we’re here and how to get out of it
Skill – Seeing beyond your neighborhood to bigger changes needed across the system
Product – Photo petition or collage or video

Applications closed Monday, March 21, 2022. If you missed your chance to apply but are still interested, please fill out this form.