As we draft this post, it’s the middle of April, and the temperature here in Detroit is already pushing 80 degrees. It’s a disturbing reminder of where the global climate is headed: one more reason why we need to escalate our fight for more public transit that meets the needs of riders.
This summer, TRUST is piloting a new approach to member capacity-building we’re calling the Program to Build Rider Power (PBRP). Open to any TRUST member organization, its goal is to help local transit rider unions take their work to the next level, whatever that might mean for them.
Interest in transit rider organizing has never been stronger. TRUST now has over 30 member groups in two dozen states around the country. However, many rider groups are fledgling organizations with limited resources, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all model for organizing, you’ve told us you could benefit from a more systematic approach to mentorship and support.
Some potential areas for capacity-building include fundraising and organizational structure, as well as campaign strategy and tactics. Participating groups will meet on a regular basis with TRUST organizers over a four-month period (May-August) and develop an action plan for moving their work forward over the long term.
If you’re interested, please fill out this form by April 30! Feel free to get in touch with any questions, and note that at least two people from your organization must agree to take part. The conditions have never been more ripe for building our collective power. Let’s get to work!
Transit Riders of the United States Together (TRUST) 