Advocacy is essential to getting trails built or preserving open space. Private individuals and organizations make the most effective advocates. Government bodies; i.e., city councils, county commissions, park boards and others listen to their constituents. To be an effective advocate, you first have to know what it is you want. Define what you want in simple terms that anyone can understand. You need to understand the important role trails or open space might play in your community.

Once you know what you want, educate yourself. To be an effective advocate, you have to become educated on a number of things: how the public process works in your community, public relations, fundraising, the master plans your project might fall under, the development process, trail construction and maintenance, how local government works and who the players are, what committees are there that might influence your project, wildlife and habitat, the Endangered Species Act, TEA-21, State Trails Program, Great Outdoors Colorado, TOPS and a host of other subjects.

Advocacy helps you:

Create the political climate in which local decisions to fund open space and trails are approved and supported.

Assist local governments in the formation and implementation of their trails, parks and open space master plans.

Build, encourage and coordinate grassroots support for open space and trails.

Develop public/private partnerships to benefit trails and open space.

Influence and coordinate with government agencies, community organizations and businesses.

Promote intermodal use of trails

Promote accessibility to all citizens, including youth, seniors and disabled.

Help the environment.

Be a voice that is heard.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As a concerned citizen, you can help by: