I just finished leading my 18^th Winning Campaigns training for the Alliance for Biking and Walking in Kansas City, Missouri. Like all the trainings I have led, this engaging two and a half day workshop gave participants the opportunity to learn key elements for running a successful plan to improve bicycling and/or walking conditions in their communities.

At these trainings, participants have launched at least 100 new campaigns around the nation. The sheet to the left highlights the trainings we launched at the Kansas City training. One that will eventually have a big impact is the National Organization for Older Driver Safety’s campaign for senior driver safety. The founder of this organization, Susan Cohen, shared her own moving story of how she lost her son to an inattentive senior driver. Her passion and commitment will help ensure no more families have to endure this tragedy. Susan wrote me after the training and said “I really enjoyed the training and got the tools I need to move forward.”

At each training, I get to connect with passionate, local advocates ready for change. I can tell you that the growing bicycling movement in Los Angeles is mirrored around the country. The Alliance for Bicycling and Walking continues to serve as a good resource for local advocates. They recently held their leadership retreat in Long Beach in association with the Pro Walk Pro Bike Conference. Over a 100 advocates gained inspiration from all the exciting work the City of Long Beach has engaged in over the last five years.

Having once served on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Biking and Walking, I’m thrilled the organization continues to grow. I have led Winning Campaigns Trainings over the years in the following places: Los Angeles (2), San Francisco, Denver (2), Toronto, Albany, Philadelphia, Flint, Asheville, Louisville, Little Rock, Columbus, Burlington, Columbia, Boston and most recently, Kansas City. I also visited to Chattanooga to help facilitate a portion of their leadership retreat. What a lovely way to connect with America!

In addition to supporting local and state advocacy organizations, the Alliance also unifies these organizations to work for change on the national level. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to check them out.