What is engagement and advocacy?

Engagement is the process of establishing meaningful relationships with individuals and community leaders to further trail development and strengthen the trail community. This relationship-building process usually begins with a strategic plan for key partnerships, and continues to develop organically as new connections are made. Forging relationships across a diverse range of people and organizations in the community–from enthusiastic trail users, to youth program directors, to local business owners–can leverage needed skill sets and even funding for trails.

These relationships and partnerships are critical to strong trail advocacy, for both new and existing trail systems. Advocacy is the act of engaging in local, national, and global processes to build support for and protect mountain bike experiences. When a broad, diverse trail community is seen working together toward a goal, support will multiply. Strong partnerships could include a combination of local trail user groups, land managers, tourism and visitor’s bureaus, health foundations, youth groups, local businesses, and other community organizations, depending on the community’s trail vision.