Applications are open for a brand new Technical Assistance (TA) program for local champions to develop the skills and knowledge needed to leverage data and storytelling to address rising pedestrian fatalities. Building on our cornerstone resource Dangerous by Design, this program will also provide participants the opportunity to engage with the upcoming edition. The deadline to apply is at 11:59 p.m. on November 15.
We need to come together to address the issues in Dangerous by Design.
This technical assistance program will equip local champions with improved knowledge of the data and trends around traffic safety, how to incorporate this data into local actions and story-telling, and how to increase support of safer streets for all road users. The conclusion of this program will coincide with the release of Dangerous by Design 2024, providing a perfect opportunity for participants to leverage the new resources.
Participants will take part in a series of virtual sessions after which they will conduct a short assignment to help advance a traffic safety initiative in their community. In addition to the virtual sessions, participants will engage with Smart Growth America staff to capture on-the-ground stories and examples to be used with the forthcoming Dangerous by Design report.
What will I gain from participating?
This technical assistance program will provide an opportunity for committed and passionate champions to develop skills around data and storytelling, discuss challenges and opportunities facing their communities, and identify ways to improve pedestrian safety. Selected participants will have the opportunity to learn from a broad array of national experts and peers working on similar efforts, engage with the latest data and trends, and be part of the release of Dangerous by Design 2024. Topics covered during the technical assistance will include: current trends and data in traffic safety and how they relate to the health of a community, understanding the systems that inform traffic safety, highlights of recent successful traffic safety efforts, messaging and story-telling, and how to navigate barriers to achieving communities with safe, active transportation options.
Program timing and commitment
Successful applicants will be notified in December 2023. The program will run from February to June 2024. Participants will be expected to take part in six 90-minute virtual sessions from February to April 2024 and then work with Smart Growth America on promoting and leveraging Dangerous by Design in May and June 2024. This will include capturing the story of traffic safety in their community and identifying an initiative to address pedestrian safety in their area. Additional reading and other resources will be provided in support of the virtual sessions.
Eligibility
We are looking for individuals currently connected to a local, state, or community organization either in a volunteer or staff capacity. Organizations focused on transportation and intersecting issues (i.e. housing, climate, etc.) are preferred. Participants are expected to have some knowledge of the current state of traffic safety in the U.S., including how it relates to issues like physical activity. CDC-grant recipients including those from HOP, REACH, and SPAN programs are encouraged to apply.