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Getting Things Done

So you've organized a coalition of individuals committed to pedestrian advocacy. Now what do you do?

Your coalition or group has the potential to be your most valuable tool in promoting walkability in your community. That's why it's so important that your group makes the most of its resources and energy, and learn to work with agencies, the private sector, and the media to gain support for your projects.

Whether you've already gathered a group together, or are simply thinking of putting together a pedestrian coalition, you'll benefit from these tips, tools, and resources designed to help you effectively organize and mobilize, initiate and grow.

Take some valuable pointers from America Walks, the national support network for some of the most successful grassroots pedestrian outreach campaigns in the United States. On their own site, you'll find plenty of helpful resources to get your own campaign going. Download their "Introduction to Pedestrian Advocacy" or "The Ten Essentials of Pedestrian Advocacy". A resource binder for pedestrian advocates, including brochure and newsletter samples from other groups, letterwriting tips, promotional activity and program ideas, and other organizational advice is available for order.
   
Building a coalition can be a long, time-consuming process, one that demands strong management and leadership skills and energy. But, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) puts it:

"Coalitions bring a tremendous amount of credibility to an issue. The very act of coming together - of partnering - strengthens the message. Coalitions almost always start with an idea. An individual or an organization wants to see a certain action take place and decides to organize others with an interest in that issue."

NHTSA's injury prevention Safe Communities project, which helps community-based coalitions establish themselves as a Safe Community, has developed an excellent publication designed to walk coalitions through those first difficult months. "Safe Communities: The First Six Months" is available for online perusal or download.
   
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)'s Pedestrian Safety Roadmap & Resource Catalog is divided into these six helpful sections:
    1. Making a Commitment: Motivate key decision-makers to take action in making your community safer and more walkable.
    2. Getting Organized: Establish a formal Coordinating Committee and announce the program to the general public.
    3. Gathering Data: Compile statistics to define the pedestrian safety problems facing your community.
    4. Developing a Plan: Define communities priorities and specify action to be taken in support of the program goals.
    5. Implementing Your Program: Take action and keep the media informed about your activities.
    6. Evaluation & Feedback: Figure out what works and doesn't work and make the necessary adjustments to the program.
Read here for more about their Pedestrian Safety Roadshows and check out their other community-building resources, such as "WALK!", a 12-minute video that addresses pedestrian issues, a step-by-step guide to host a Pedestrian Safety roadshow, and more.