In 2011, Access PanAm’s Grassroots Toolbox was completed with a first stop, self-help guide for local climber-activists, to start them on the process toward grassroots organization and stewardship of their threatened climbing environment. In 2012, we want to expand on this training with the Capacitación project: an intensive skills-based training workshop for Latin American access and conservation activists. This workshop will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 23rd to 26th, as part of a much longer event, the Brazilian Mountain Week.

Capacitación will focus on the need to empower local activists by providing the skills and tools to get organized, create or improve a local climbers conservation organization to address challenges, conserve the climbing environment, and promote responsible climbing.

Capacitación will cover topics such as: Campaign Strategy, Grassroots Lobbying, Getting Your Message Out, Grassroots Fundraising Strategies, How to Work with Businesses. There will also be a focused discussion on access and conservation issues, including negotiation, trail maintenance, education strategies, etc.

This is an invitation-only project and space is limited. If you’d like to attend, please send us an email.