beyond travel training

Beyond Travel TrainingBecoming an Advocate

Central Maryland Regional Transit ©

What is an Advocate?

ad·vo·catenounnoun: advocate; plural noun: advocatesˈadvəkət/1.1.a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy."he was an untiring advocate of economic reform"

•a person who pleads on someone else's behalf."care managers can become advocates for their clients”


Why is it hard?

1. Politics2. Funding3. “This is how we’ve always done it”4. What else?


Advocacy vs Lobbying“Advocacy is the process of stakeholders making their voices heard on issues that affect their lives and the lives of others at the local, state, and national level.”-National Council on Aging

Photo credit: http://wheelwatcherpro.com/investors/wheelwatcher-advocate-program/


Advocacy vs Lobbying“Lobbying, on the other hand, involves activities that are in direct support of or opposition to a specific piece of introduced legislation. “-National Council on Aging

“While nonprofits can engage in some lobbying, the IRS has strict rules about what portion of their budget can go toward these activities. There are also prohibitions on any use of federal funds for lobbying.”-National Council on Aging


Examples of Advocacy

• Trainee experiences discrimination• Quality of service is poor• Proposed route or fare structure

changes would negatively impact trainees

• Inaccessible bus or bus stop• Long term transit/accessibility

planning


Collaboration

Why is collaboration important to advocacy?

Examples?


ADA PARC

ADA Participation Action Research Consortium


Other Examples

• Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan

• Community Meetings• Meetings with Transit Agencies


How Do You Advocate?

Group Discussion


Thank you!

Alexandra DupreeManger of Training and Community Relations

Central Maryland Regional [email protected]

240.581.5770

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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