Organized by America Walks
America Walks is the national coalition of local advocacy groups dedicated to promoting walkable communities. Our strategy for making America walkable is to facilitate the creation of more walking advocacy groups around the country, to help all such groups be more effective, and, when appropriate and needed, to act as a collective voice of pedestrian advocates nationwide.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The National Congress of Pedestrian Advocates will bring together pedestrian advocates from across the country for the purposes of building momentum and synergy, sharing ideas and best practices, and building a movement that will help strengthen the health and safety of all Americans and the livability of their communities. The congress is being designed to offer opportunities for training in advocacy techniques, organizing and fundraising, and pedestrian design and safety issues.
The congress will be the kick-off for an America Walks campaign to recognize at least forty active pedestrian advocacy groups nationwide by the end of 2002, whether new groups or those springing from existing organizations.
Planning for the congress is now underway. We welcome your suggestions for those elements or themes that would make the congress most meaningful to you.
WHO WILL BENEFIT
The congress is being designed mainly for those who are working at a grassroots level to make their communities more walkable. Of course, pedestrian advocates also work in many other venues, such as local jurisdictions and health agencies, and all are welcome.
THE LOGISTICS
The congress sessions will be held at the Oakland City Hall, Oakland, California. Delegates to the congress will be responsible for their travel, lodging, some meals, and a registration fee of $150. We are currently working to identify affordable lodging options. America Walks is committed to making the congress diverse and accessible. Depending on the success of our fundraising efforts, there may be some limited scholarships and travel assistance available for those with the greatest need. We encourage you to seek local sponsors from your community as well. All identified sponsors will be recognized in the congress materials.
If there is sufficient interest, some walking tours in the Bay Area may be planned for Sunday, August 19.