By Rebeca Rodriguez, 2022 NextGen Trail Leader
Mobilize Together for a Journey Beyond: Strengthening Bonds in Our Collective Expedition
Ain't nothin' quite like a long, dusty hike through the wilderness. Navigating rugged terrains in the desert, woods, or the alpine, gives me a sense of peace and an adrenaline rush like no other. My passion for these trails fuels my desire to maintain and protect them, which is why I volunteer my time for outdoor events. As an avid volunteer, I've seen firsthand the hard work and funding required to keep these trails pristine and sustainable for generations to come. My advocacy work stemmed from this need for trail preservation and protection of our public lands.
My trail blazing in advocacy kicked off before becoming an our organization NextGen Trail Leader. I spent countless hours scouring the internet, researching relevant bills, policies, and events. My ultimate goal was to share my concerns with my elected officials and lobby for more trail funding and conservation. I'd fire off emails, letters, and petitions, hoping my voice would be heard. Lacking the right resources and information, deciphering definitions and timelines was a headache, but I persevered because I cared. And boy, was I excited when I received my first reply from an elected official! Only to be disappointed when it was clear they hadn't even read my appeal.
Fast forward to becoming an our organization NextGen Trail Leader and joining Hike the Hill®, and let me tell you, it was a game changer! No more sifting through pages of legislation and trying to figure it out on my own. During the Hike the Hill® training, I was united with a group of fellow trail enthusiasts from across the country. Together, we dug deep into the legislation, learning about key asks and strategies to implement during our meetings with our representatives. The Hike the Hill® experience wasn't all talks, though. It was about action too. Face-to-face meetings with staffers were arranged, leaving me feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Come the meetings, I was able to calm my nerves and start asking questions, learning more about their perspectives, and advocating for our beloved trails. The best part? They listened and took notes. The follow-up was also a breath of fresh air, as the staffers provided personalized responses and left the door open for future conversations. The Hike the Hill® experience showed me the power of the trail community coming together to champion our cause. Remember, it's all about being genuine, well-prepared, and actually taking action. Together, we truly do go the distance!
Insights
Effective advocacy for trail funding and public lands is a blend of research, legislative engagement, and volunteering. Here's an all-round approach:
Research and Legislative Advocacy
- Know the Law of the Land: Dig deep into bills, state and federal policies, and funding sources related to trails and public lands, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) or the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)[4][3].
- Stay Ahead of the Game: Sign up for newsletters and follow policy updates from organizations like Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and Outdoor Alliance[1][3][5]. They provide up-to-the-minute insights and action items.
- Reach Out: Connect with your local, state, and federal officials to push for continuing and increased trail funding. Encourage them to support pledges for active transportation and trail programs[3].
- Weight In: Participate in public comment periods for transportation and land management plans. Make your voice heard in the decision-making process[1][3].
Volunteering and Community Engagement
- Get Involved: Sign up for trail maintenance days, clean-ups, and community-building activities organized by trail advocacy groups. These events not only improve the trails, but also build community support and visibility for conservation efforts[1][5].
- Write Those Letters: Host or participate in letter-writing campaigns like the California Trails and Greenways Conference, demonstrating the power of grassroots advocacy[5].
- Educate Yourself: Join workshops that teach advocacy skills, community organizing, and effective communication with lawmakers and the public[2][5].
Strategic Collaboration
- Team Up: Collaborate with organizations like IMBA, RTC, and Outdoor Alliance to leverage their resources, expertise, and networks. They offer toolkits, webinars, and policy updates to support your advocacy efforts[1][2][5].
- Promote Equity: Advocate for trail projects that cater to diverse communities, ensuring equitable access and benefits for all[2].
Ongoing Advocacy
- Stay Connected: Keep yourself informed by subscribing to newsletters and attending webinars. This keeps you abreast of new legislation, funding opportunities, and advocacy strategies[3][2].
- Celebrate Success: Celebrate victories, like new funding or trail openings, to keep the momentum going and rally public support[5][4].
By combining meticulous research, legislative engagement, and volunteering, you can make a solid impact on trail funding and the protection of public lands.
As a NextGen Trail Leader, I value the combination of hiking and outdoor-living, which led me to fortify my advocacy for public lands. To ensure the preservation of these trails, I champion a mixed approach that entails researching bills, policies, and events (trail funding, sports, home-and-garden, lifestyle, outdoor-living) related to trail funding and the protection of public lands, staying informed through newsletters, and reaching out to elected officials. Additionally, I dedicate my time to volunteering for outdoor events and educating myself in advocacy skills workshops. My journey reveals that teamwork, collaboration with like-minded organizations, and promoting equity among diverse communities are pivotal in fostering an enduring impact on trail funding and public lands conservation.
