Entry Level Performance

• Communicate the benefits of trails to the public including physical/mental health, economic development, community quality of life, and managed use
• Demonstrate ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public at large

Full Performance Level

• Demonstrate ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with staff, volunteers, community leaders, contractors and consultants, partners, and the public at large
• Implement elements of the communications plan
• Communicate on multiple levels about a trail project/program from the broad vision to the technical details

Expert Level Performance

• Create and implement a comprehensive communication plan that clearly conveys the vision and goals of a trail project or program
• Engage a broad set of stakeholders and partners through multiple communications strategies (social, email, in person, website, signage) to further community understanding and support
• Integrate strategies that embody JEDI Principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) throughout a communications plan

Learn More

Documents and Media for Communications

SCA Leader Teams Handbook

This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section…

Storytelling - Marketing & Communications

Storytelling is a powerful tool for talking about your programs and projects in ways that motivate and inspire your audiences – while also communicating valuable information about where your work takes place, what the volunteer experience is like,…

Strategic Communications Planning

This guide offers a variety of materials, tips and techniques for helping you develop or expand your organization’s strategic communications planning efforts.

Trail Safe Lesson 8 - Communications & Assertiveness

Communication service communication makes the operational leadership process work.

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Communications

Increasing Physical Activity Through the Use of Trails and Greenways

This webinar will review details of the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendation, share resources to help professionals encourage people be active on trails and greenways, and provide examples from the field from CDC's Division of…

Designing Events that Engage Your Community

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy to explore the ins and outs of planning events that engage, inspire and activate your community.

Better Together, Forming a Regional Organization to Achieve Your Goals

A brief overview of how SORBA formed and operates and the benefits of organizations working together on the state and regional level.

Trail Towns 101: Strategies, Tools and Inspiration to Make Trails Work for Your Community

Put the transformative power of trails to work. This inspiring course is a call to action, a source of new ideas, and a practical guide for communities looking to harness the benefits of their local trails. Ideal for trail lovers, local leaders, and…

Geotourism Workshop: Put the Locally Driven Destination Development, Stewardship and Marketing Approach to Work for Your Community

Learn how to put Geotourism to work for your community. Introduced more than 20 years ago through National Geographic, this community-led approach has been used by destinations around the world to guide development, catalyze locally driven…

Facilitation Training for Collaboration and Consensus

Learn and practice skills and strategies for helping groups work collaboratively, consensus-building processes, and consensus decision-making. This course is a deep dive that examines the details of the Consensus That Works and Making Meetings Work…

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Further Education

Training Programs for Communications

Sustainable Trails Development

The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.

Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…

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