Apply for the First-Ever South Dakota Walking College

This statewide program is modeled after the Walking College – America Walks’ six-month, distance-education program for walkable community advocates across the country.  Fellows will complete a series of modules covering leadership development, coalition-building, walkable community design, local public policy, and strategic planning.  The instructional content includes online study materials, video-conferenced discussion forums with other Fellows, and community assignments.  Each Fellow will receive one-on-one coaching from a Personal Mentor to assist them in developing a Walking Action Plan (WAP) for their community.

After completing the South Dakota State Walking College, Fellows will be able to:

• Discuss the history of transportation planning in the U.S. and the role of systemic discrimination in the built and social environments.
• Recruit and inspire other advocates to build and grow a local movement to address injustice by creating safe, walkable neighborhoods.
• Organize campaigns which use story-telling and strategic communications to develop a public narrative about healthy community development.
• Identify design changes in the built environment which will foster active, accessible, equitable mobility and safe use of the public space for all.
• Navigate the structure of local government and engage elected officials and professionals in conversations about public policy improvements.
• Connect social justice, public health, and climate action in a strategic plan focused on creating safe mobility for every community member.

Residents of South Dakota who are interested in the program and able to commit 4-6 hours per week (June – November) are invited to complete this online application form no later than 9:00 pm Central on Friday, April 30, 2021.  Fellowships are limited and the application process is competitive. 

Please contact America Walks’ Ian Thomas or AARP South Dakota’s Lindsey Holmquest with any questions.