MOVE THE
COMMUNITY
Training grassroots community advocates
Transportation justice means all communities have access to a safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable transportation system that connects them to the places, people, and resources they need to thrive.
Move the Community is an advocacy mentorship program that will train rising leaders on the structure and function of governments (i.e., roles of staff and elected officials) and the technical details of safe and equitable transportation infrastructure, engage them in on-the-ground shadowing experiences to see how decisions are made, and provide guidance on how to strategically design and implement an advocacy campaign. As a capstone experience, Local Motion staff will mentor the leaders on a project of their own design related to a walking, biking, or transit challenge in their community.
Our goal is to create community amongst those working toward transportation justice, and amplify these voices by providing resources to independently advocate with your communities.
Over 24 months, 5 participants will receive over 50 hours of training and support in both group settings and one-on-one discussions to develop the capacities necessary for creating a more just and representative mobility field.
MEET THE COHORT
Pat Kelley
“I realize more and more that what everyone talks about in our neighborhood is traffic. And I know I live where I do because our neighborhood is so incredibly walkable and bicycle friendly. That is worth not only preserving but celebrating. So Local Motion is inspiring me to try addressing traffic issues again.”
Syreta Toson
“I was excited to learn how to not only advocate for community but also for my own personal mission and values that reflect some broader issues. The ability to navigate the local government, and how to affect change on the legislative level, is a very important skillset that I am learning more about in each session I have attended.”
Sara Jimenez
“Like many in Columbia, I enjoy being active and spending time outside in nature, including biking and walking with my family of six. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to make connections with and learn from advocates who care about making it safer and more accessible for children and families to walk and bike throughout our city.”
McKenzie Ortiz
“I applied to be a part of Move the Community because I personally have been impacted by the lack of accessible public transportation or walkability in the cities that I have lived in, including Columbia. I want to make connections with the people who truly care about the people of Columbia and learn how I can make an impact on our community.”
Matt Wright
“Everything we do is touched on by transportation, and we've prioritized personal vehicles and streets built only for cars, harming the people who already have the least resources. In this program, I hope to learn how to better advocate for...projects that get people out of their cars and into their communities!”
PROJECT "STRUGGLE BUS"
Move the Community is working on a short documentary about public transportation in Columbia, Missouri. We want to hear from people who rely on the bus, have struggled with the system, or have thoughts on how it could be better.
Project Struggle Bus is an exploration of public transit in Columbia, MO and the challenges it faces. These challenges, while not unique to us, include driver shortages, lack of funding, and meeting community needs. We hope to find out what the community truly thinks about this vital service.
Group Capstone Project
This film will highlight real experiences—long waits, limited routes, and the challenges of getting around without a car. Our goal is to show why transit matters and start a conversation about how to improve it.
If you ride the bus (or used to), work in transit, or have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Individual Capstone Projects
Project Description: Trees, green space, walking paths and art work to provide inviting outdoor place at Garth & Sexton for residents of Ridgeway Neighborhood as well as residents of public housing for elderly nearby.
Pat Kelley
Project Description: I'm part of the core leadership group for a neighborhood advocacy organization, Pedestrians for Ash Street. We advocate to the city for the already planned reconstruction of Ash Street (as part of a capital improvement project), to function for all modes of travel - including pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchairs, as well as personal vehicles. Other priorities of the group include safety for everyone using the corridor (including intersections), and saving trees and front yards.
Matt Wright
Project Description: E-bike Lottery This pilot program will provide vouchers for e-bikes, helmets, and locks to people with low incomes. Expanding access to e-bikes has the potential to increase transportation security, improve health, and reduce environmental impact.
Sara Jimenez
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