The Next Generation of Public Lands Advocates: Outdoor Alliance’s Grasstops Collective
Image: Torch Pictures
Last year, Outdoor Alliance launched a new initiative designed to build the strength of the outdoor community’s advocacy capacity—the Grasstops Collective. This program was designed to equip local outdoor leaders with the advocacy and leadership skills needed to drive real change for public lands and outdoor recreation.
In the last year, our first cohort of 20 dedicated advocates trained with Outdoor Alliance staff, partners, and civic engagement experts. They also have been putting their new skills into action—going to D.C., meeting with lawmakers, rallying their communities, and sharing outdoor recreation and conservation priorities with decision makers at every level.
A Year of Advocacy
When we started the Grasstops Collective, we hoped that putting more resources and capacity into local leaders would be powerful for our outdoor advocacy work. But even so, the engagement, enthusiasm, and impact of this first cohort have exceeded our expectations. The caliber of leaders who applied made it incredibly difficult to narrow the first cohort down to just 20 individuals, and their engagement and ability to secure advocacy wins has only grown throughout the program. They’ve shown us just how much hunger there is for structured, high-level advocacy training among outdoor leaders.
Since completing their training, these advocates have wasted no time putting their knowledge into practice. They’ve already played key roles in securing major policy wins, including:
Helping push the EXPLORE Act across the finish line,
Advocating for disaster relief funding to address the impacts of events like Hurricane Helene on public lands and outdoor recreation economies,
Mobilizing race directors across the country to highlight the consequences of the U.S. Forest Service hiring freeze on recreation access and its economic benefits.
The Grasstops Collective has given these leaders the tools to amplify their voices, and the results speak for themselves. This isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about building a network of skilled, connected advocates who will shape conservation policy for years to come.
Strengthening the Advocacy Muscle of the Outdoor Community
Over five months, the Grasstops Collective immersed leaders in an intensive training program designed to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to advocate for public lands. Participants learned the fundamentals of conservation policy, how Congress and the legislative process work, and how to leverage GIS tools for data-driven advocacy. They honed their ability to build relationships with lawmakers, craft compelling advocacy stories, and mobilize their communities. The program also emphasized real-world application, with training on conducting meetings on Capitol Hill, hosting local advocacy events, and using strategic communications to engage broader audiences.
The program culminated in a trip to Washington, D.C., where advocates refined their personal stories, attended in-person training, and held meetings with lawmakers to discuss conservation priorities. This hands-on experience prepared them to be long-term, effective voices for public lands protection.
Looking Ahead: Applications Open for the Next Cohort
With the success of our first cohort, we are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the next class of the Grasstops Collective! If you are a passionate outdoor recreationist, business owner, nonprofit leader, or local advocate looking to take your advocacy to the next level, we encourage you to apply.
Through this program, you’ll gain:
Expert training in public lands policy and advocacy strategy
Opportunities to connect with policymakers and decision-makers at all levels
A powerful network of like-minded outdoor leaders working together to protect the places we love.
The first year of the Grasstops Collective has proven that this model works. By investing deeply in individuals who are already leaders in their communities, we’re building a movement that can create real, lasting change for public lands and outdoor recreation.