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2012 Alliance Leadership Retreat

Cultivating Strong Leaders for Our Future
September 7-10, 2012 | at The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA

Photo by Tom Wald

With 116 advocacy leaders of 80 organizations from 36 states and provinces across North America, the 2012 Leadership Retreat was the largest and most successful Alliance gathering to date. Discussions at the retreat centered on exciting new partnerships and initiatives around transportation equity, public health, community development and building a more diverse and inclusive movement. In addition, during workshops as well as in formal and informal breakout discussions, organizational leaders took the opportunity to discuss organizational strategies and learn best practices on from their peers.

At the Alliance Leadership Retreat, leaders take the opportunity to step back, regroup and recharge. "The Alliance Leadership Retreat was the most energizing, fruitful three days I've spent all year," said Erin O'Melinn, Executive Director of HUB in Vancouver, BC. After the retreat, many Alliance leaders felt ready to take on whatever challenges may lie ahead with a renewed sense of purpose.

In addition to the many learning and networking opportunities offered, many of the attendees recognized at this retreat that they are part of a larger sea change in the way people across North America think about healthy transportation and recreation opportunities.

"As a new executive director I found the retreat an amazing opportunity to meet and learn from my peers," said Barb Chamberlain of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. "It's so important to build this movement working together across state boundaries to strengthen a national agenda."

"This was one of the best Leadership Retreats ever!" said Jeff Miller, President/CEO of the Alliance. "Jeremy, the Alliance Staff, and all the leaders and partners who shared their wisdom, experience, and creativity, really expanded the knowledge of everyone at the Retreat."

After the retreat, many representatives of Alliance member organizations carried their enthusiasm and energy through the following week at the Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference. Many also participated in the National Women's Bicycling Summit, which provided a spectacular forum for addressing and bridging the gender gap in bicycling.