Alliance > Member Services > Leadership Retreat

2008 Alliance Leadership Retreat

Uniting Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Leaders
August 30 - September 2, 2008 — Bainbridge Island, WA

Alliance leaders came together at the end of August for the 2008 Leadership Retreat on Bainbridge Island in Washington. Nearly 70 leaders from 23 states and three Canadian provinces represented 55 different organizations spanning the North American continent.

Scott Bricker, formally of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, summed it up well: “An excellent experience from start to finish. The energy I got from being around other cycling and walking advocates alone was worth every penny. Add the beautiful setting and the fantastic workshops on top of that, and it made for a weekend I won’t forget any time soon!”

Large-group discussions focused on the new federal transportation bill; the Alliance’s vision to create and strengthen coalitions across North America; and the opportunity to partner on a Retail Membership Program for member groups across the continent. In addition, 16 small-group workshops delved into topics like technology, fundraising, Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, staffing, and membership development.

In addition to all of the great knowledge and experience that was shared, there was plenty of time and opportunity for individual conversations, networking, bike rides, hikes, Frisbee — and, of course, the ever-popular and eagerly anticipated talent show.

Thanks to many of our veteran leaders, fresh advocates and national partners, everyone learned a wealth of great new ideas. The realization that our movement has great power and so many opportunities for success inspired everyone. We’re grateful to all participants for sharing their wisdom and strengthening their organizations, as well as the overall movement.

Thanks to our fabulous sponsors, many advocacy leaders from new or smaller organizations were awarded scholarships, giving them the chance to attend this unique and helpful gathering. In addition to the strong support of Planet Bike, Trek, and the Spitzer Family Foundation, Rickshaw Bagworks invested heavily by giving to each Retreat participant a beautiful messenger bag worth $180!

• Click here to check out photos from the 2008 Alliance Leadership Retreat.
• Alliance member organizations: Click here to access materials from the 2008 Leadership Retreat in our Online Resource Library.