Communications and Marketing Manager

Communications and Marketing Manager 2018

Guest Opinion – Trailnet Intern Reflects on Racial Equity Workshop

Sarah presents what students shared about how they would improve walkability during a St. Louis Public School Health Fair.

On the second day of a two-week internship, I attended Trailnet’s racial equity training. Walking in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had barely met the Trailnet team, and now I was going to sit in on a training meeting about race. All I had were questions. Was equity a typo for equality? Was this one of those “check the box: we’re getting our diversity quota in” type of meetings? Was this a meeting where no one was engaged and just listens? Was this one of those workshops where people discuss issues in the comfy office chairs and then forget about them as soon as they exit the room?

The answer I soon learned was, “No to all of the above.” I’m glad I got to participate this meeting. As an outsider, I was able to consider my own notions of the problems we face with inequality—the problems that I don’t know how to address.

I’m not very familiar with discussing the topic of race. It’s easier to talk about ethics and respecting the views of other cultures before discussing race. Race is a volatile issue and it rocks the boat. I learned Trailnet is willing to rock that boat.

What I saw is that Trailnet is a group of visionaries. The organization challenges itself to identify equity gaps and offer reasonable, workable solutions. They examine all the angles critically, then offer up feasible solutions that are both financially responsible and sustainable. Trailnet seeks to find problems and then solve them. I watched the staff look within the organization and wrestle its own challenges with inequality. How are you supposed to work to elevate equity when the money mostly comes from rich, white men? Trailnet is actively looking for solutions, and that speaks a lot of this organization.

From this meeting, I gained a greater understanding of how race can influence the systems within companies and organizations. How we speak about helping the “under-served” when we may be treating symptoms more than the cause.

When I see racial inequality in my own life—in the world around me—I see symptoms of larger systemic issues. I see proposed solutions, but they don’t attack the cause. They can solve a bit of the problem if people banded together, but it isn’t the true solution. Trailnet is an organization that wants to address the systemic inequality and racism in our community. That gives me hope; that there are people out there who want to solve this problem, who want to get their hands dirty and consider options that aren’t the easy, traditional way. Who are willing to stop doing it “the way it’s always been done” in order to solve the real problem that exists. It’s refreshing and encouraging to see that Trailnet is willing to begin a conversation to solve a problem that has been with us for far too long.

– Sarah Becker

Trailnet Champions – Michelle Thomas and Keaton Hanson

Michelle Thomas and Keaton Hanson never seem to stop moving. They’ve been bicycling for transportation and recreation as long as they can remember. For them, leading active lifestyles isn’t just about staying in shape, but is part of a larger philosophy guiding their daily lives. Better still, they’re both long-time Trailnet supporters.

In December, Michelle did a Trailnet photoshoot to help us better capture and communicate what it looks like to walk and bike in St. Louis. She initially acquainted herself with the organization during a photoshoot five years ago, then again during one of our Breakfast for Bikers events. Keaton has been aware of Trailnet since he was in middle school and they both participate in the occasional Trailnet ride.

Keaton views St. Louis as, “a city woven together with many independently unique neighborhoods.” He added, “One of the things that makes the Hill special is all the residents truly want and are happy to live here. Walkability and community are two highlights of the neighborhood.”

Asked about Trailnet’s vision, Keaton said, “I love the idea of livable healthy communities. I believe it is very important to live close to everything you do, be it work and pleasure. The vision is very inclusive of all types of people from different diversities and abilities. This is so important to build strong communities not just for cyclists but for everyone as a whole. The more we relinquish our motor vehicles the stronger our relationships with each other and nature will become.”

Michelle and Keaton value activity for more than just the physical benefits, both describing bicycling as a reflective, abstract exercise.

“There is just something about cycling that is freeing and meditative,” Michelle said. “It’s like life—you go really hard up a hill then coast down. It’s the never-ending cycle.”

Keaton shares a similar approach to being on a bicycle. “I keep riding because it makes me feel so good,” Keaton said. “I ride to keep my body in shape, and my mind clear. Cycling heightens my awareness, I have seen so many incredible things because I am on my bike.”

Bicycling for this couple goes beyond competition, originating in their youth when getting a bicycle meant complete freedom.

“I’ve been cycling for as long as I can remember,” Michelle said. “I guess I started around eight years old. I grew up on a farm, so the nearest neighbor was a mile away. My bike was my only mode of transportation as a kid. If I wanted to go to the pool in the summer, I’d jump on my bike and ride two miles down the gravel road.”

Their hunger for activity doesn’t stop at the bike, or yoga, or traveling, or any number of recreational activities that keep their minds and bodies healthy. When they’re not engaged in physical activity, they help promote it through professional photography.

“I feel the need to be constantly moving and engaged, so I also do photography under my Instagram @michelle_yogogirls for Lululemon, Trailnet, Yoga Six, SoiLL, and other fitness brands as my alternative creative outlet,” Michelle said. “Keaton and I take every chance we get to travel also. Last year I traveled to Portland, Oregon, Tulum, Mexico, New York, Florida, California, and Iceland. Next year I’m planning on Switzerland and Amsterdam.”

Michelle is a partner, executive creative director, and photographer at Origin Agency (which she started with partners Julie Wood and Lance Thomas). Keaton is an art director at Ansira Marketing. It appears their momentum is on track to keep building—both participating in and promoting active living and pedal-powered transportation.

“I’ve always had an excessive amount of energy,” Michelle said. “In my youth I ran, did tumbling, rode bikes, climbed trees, jumped off roofs. Wait… I still do all that stuff.”

Our Impact – Record Giving Numbers are a Win for St. Louis

In 2017, we saw a 32% increase in individual donations through membership to Trailnet, making it a record-breaking year! We’d like to thank everyone who joined or renewed in December and give a special thank you shout-out to the anonymous family foundation that sparked giving with their dollar-for-dollar challenge. Not only is this increase in donations a win for Trailnet, but the funds we raised are critical for the implementation of our vision for protected bikeways and improved sidewalks. This also means more energy to advocate for better walking and biking, more resources to teach adults and youth practical skills that make walking and biking easier, and an elevated commitment to plans for streets that reflect best practices for encouraging safe connections for biking and walking. Check out our website to learn about our wins in Advocacy, Education, and Planning.

We’re off to a great start in 2018! We recently attended the Mississippi Valley Bike + OutdoorExpo and it was one of the best ever. With the record attendance, hundreds of people stopped by our booth and from those we signed up 16 new Trailnet members and two renewals! We also drew Michael Browning, a two-year Trailnet member, as the winner of the Niner gravel bike from our Winter Membership Drive. Thanks to Bike Surgeon for donating the bicycle! On top of that, we had free drawings for a case of Urban Chestnut beer, and an entry to this year’s Ride the Rivers Century!