Tips for Increasing Political Acumen

Presented at the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference

Speakers: Jenn Dice, IMBA; Gary Sjoquist, Quality Bicycle Products, Bikes Belong and Bikes PAC

Mountain bike advocates can't afford to focus only on building trails or developing club membership. These tips will help you and your organization become more politically savvy.

Involvement at the local level is critical. IMBA's goal is the spread the movement, but all politics are local and the importance of having connections at the local level cannot be underestimated.

Mountain bikers share many goals with elected officials. Our activity is a key component for fighting the nationwide obesity and inactivity epidemic. Mountain biking also brings an economic impact to many smaller communities. Just think of Moab, Durango and Whistler!

National partnerships are frameworks for local clubs. IMBA has partnerships with the major federal land agencies and is working jointly with Parks Canada. You can use these relationships to set the stage for cooperation at the local level.

Political connections build membership momentum. When an access battle rears its ugly head, your club's political know-how will be the key to solving the problem and attracting new members to join the ranks.

Getting to know your local land managers and elected officials is easier than you think. Invite them out to lunch, stop by for a meeting, or go on a ride together. If you establish relationships before access issues arise, your position will benefit.

Run for office. One of the best ways to improve mountain biking access is to have mountain bikers at the highest levels of decision-making power. Consider having club members run for trails councils, park boards, or city and county office.

Invite elected officials and trail committee members to address your group. Invite policy makers to club meetings or trail dedication ceremonies. Allow them to address the group and be part of the public ceremony. Use the event as an opportunity to educate candidates for office about local issues and establish your mountain bike club as a legitimate constituent group.

Additional IMBA Resources:

Advocacy and Organizing Resources
Fourteen Tips to Make Your Club Politically Savvy
Meeting With Elected Officials

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	Tips for Increasing Political Acumen Presented at the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference Speakers: Jenn Dice, IMBA; Gary Sjoquist, Quality Bicycle Products, Bikes Belong and Bikes PAC Mountain bike advocates can't afford to focus only on building trails or developing club membership. These tips will help you and your organization become more politically savvy. Involvement at the local level is critical. IMBA's goal is the spread the movement, but all politics are local and the importance of having connections at the local level cannot be underestimated. Mountain bikers share many goals with elected officials. Our activity is a key component for fighting the nationwide obesity and inactivity epidemic. Mountain biking also brings an economic impact to many smaller communities. Just think of Moab, Durango and Whistler! National partnerships are frameworks for local clubs. IMBA has partnerships with the major federal land agencies and is working jointly with Parks Canada. You can use these relationships to set the stage for cooperation at the local level. Political connections build membership momentum. When an access battle rears its ugly head, your club's political know-how will be the key to solving the problem and attracting new members to join the ranks. Getting to know your local land managers and elected officials is easier than you think. Invite them out to lunch, stop by for a meeting, or go on a ride together. If you establish relationships before access issues arise, your position will benefit. Run for office. One of the best ways to improve mountain biking access is to have mountain bikers at the highest levels of decision-making power. Consider having club members run for trails councils, park boards, or city and county office. Invite elected officials and trail committee members to address your group. Invite policy makers to club meetings or trail dedication ceremonies. Allow them to address the group and be part of the public ceremony. Use the event as an opportunity to educate candidates for office about local issues and establish your mountain bike club as a legitimate constituent group. Additional IMBA Resources: Advocacy and Organizing Resources Fourteen Tips to Make Your Club Politically Savvy Meeting With Elected Officials


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright