The Virginia Bicycling Federation is building a TEAM of bicycle club
leaders to unify the voice of bicyclists in Virginia. Join us at the
Thunderhead training May 9-11. For more information on the training see
the note from Dave Snyder, Thunderhead Alliance, Director of Program
Development. Contact the Virginia Bicycling Federation through the
board or directors at www.vabike.org or barbgary@... , president.

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The first Thunderhead's Trainings in Winning Campaigns will be held in
Washington, D.C., May 9-11. More information is here:
http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/trainings.htm.

Thunderhead's Trainings teach how to craft and win bicycle and
pedestrian
advocacy campaigns -- whether for a complete street policy, a bike lane
on a busy street, a new path, an education program, or something else
altogether.


We start the session teaching how to choose what makes a good campaign
to
work on -- so that you not only win a substantial improvement in your
community, but strengthen your organization in the process.

Because Thunderhead emphasizes sustainable, professional advocacy,
these trainings are promoted only to leaders of organizations. It is
essential that campaign leaders work with and understand the larger
agenda of their organization for their campaign to be a success!

These are basic and powerful community organizing techniques, customized
for
bicycle and pedestrian advocacy. Thunderhead teachs how to set realistic
but visionary goals, choose the best strategies and tactics, stick to
timelines, map out the power structure in your community, support and
leverage allies,
neutralize and convert opponents, communicate effectively targeting the
best
audience with the right message through the right media, and last but
not
least, raise money!

These trainings have gotten rave reviews from the 140 people who
attended
them last year.

If you want to learn how to choose, craft, and win campaigns, these
trainings are for you! Or perhaps, you know of people in your
organization or community who are talented, who want to help, and could
use the organizing tools we'll provide.

The trainings cost $250 for the first registrant from an organization,
$150
for subsequent registrants. Food is mostly included; lodging is
on-your-own,
although we will find homestays for applicants upon request (first
come-first served).

As I said, the Washington, D.C. training is May 9-11. That's a Tuesday
through Thursday, so that participants can participate in coordinated
visits
to their representatives on Capitol Hill, following up on their March
visits
during the Bike Summit or for the first time. Our second training is in
Denver, CO in July and the third is in Philadelphia in October.

Here are more details, including a registration form:
http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/trainings.htm.

You may forward this message to your list of potential campaign leaders.

Best,

Dave Snyder
Director of Program Development
Thunderhead Alliance