The Missouri Senate’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee voted today to advance a bill that would limit phone-use while driving. The legislation that would limit distracted driving now moves to the full Missouri Senate for debate.
Important progress
This vote is a major step forward for efforts to pass distracted driving rules. Tuesday’s vote is the first time a distracted driving bill has been approved by a Missouri legislative committee since 2018. This progress is due in large part to the work of the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition, which Trailnet helped launch in 2019 and has been helping organize outreach at the Capitol.
Last week, Trailnet’s policy manager Kevin Hahn-Petruso testified along with victim advocates and statewide partners on the bill during a hearing on the bill:
“We all share some responsibility when we get on the road, whether we’re driving, or walking across the street. But that responsibility isn’t equal. We all have a duty, but the folks with more power and more authority have a greater duty to protect the health and safety of the people on our streets,” Hahn-Petruso said.
Hands-Free Missouri members and partners following the March 1 hearing at the Missouri Capitol
“Hands-Free” Legislation: Senate Bill 713
The legislation, sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. Missouri is one of two states without distracted driving rules for all drivers.
How you can help:
Despite this important step forward, progress isn’t guaranteed and there is still lots of work to do.
Please help by contacting your state senators asking them to support Senate Bill 713 and sign on as a cosponsor.
Contact your representatives urging them to support similar distracted driving legislation.
Email kevinhahn@trailnet.org to get involved with our advocacy work to end distracted driving.
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Work with us: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Trailnet is looking for a communications professional to advance our work of making walking, biking and public transit a way of life in the St. Louis region. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will guide our communications and marketing strategy to tell our story of success in achieving our mission, while maintaining and strengthening the Trailnet message and brand.
Trailnet has a wide audience of 1,700 members and more than 19,000 passionate constituents that follow and support our work. This position is highly collaborative, leading online, social media, print, PR, multimedia, and brand management initiatives.
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator reports directly to the Policy Manager, works closely with the leadership team, and coordinates communications with the program areas of membership, rides, planning, and advocacy.
About the Organization
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a 33-year history making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. Trailnet achieves its mission through a variety of programs that get people moving and help the region build for better walking, biking, and transit.
We’re a small, dedicated team focused on serving the needs of people in our community by improving safety and access to walking, biking and transit. We hope to improve our transportation systems’ impact on: people’s personal health, our local environment and the global climate.
Core Responsibilities
Content Development – (40% of time)
Work with staff to manage Trailnet’s brand messaging, and voice
Create and deliver communications plans for events, and programs
Lead the creation of content across social media platforms, email campaigns, and website
Consult with staff and contractors to create promotions and marketing materials/media for projects, programs, and events
Produce and manage email communications, including a regular newsletter, and project-specific communications
Provide copy editing and proofreading as needed
Social Media Management – (40% of time)
Work with staff to strategize, schedule, and manage Trailnet’s social media
Manage a budget for social media advertising
Monitor online engagement and respond to questions from the public
Review and maintain up-to-date content on all platforms
Ensure Trailnet is appropriately acknowledging sponsors and funders
Event Support – (5-10% of time, depending on the season)
Provide hands-on assistance at bike rides and fundraising events. This includes helping with setup, teardown, and providing customer service at events.
Cover events for communications needs: take photos, interview participants, record video, livestream, etc.
Engage with members of the public at in-person engagement events. Provide information on Trailnet’s mission and programs and answer questions or connect people with resources.
(Trailnet events and outreach include: 10-12 outdoor events in the bistate region, including distance bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.)
Tracking, Reporting (less than 5% of time)
Organize and manage marketing materials
Develop monthly reports
Track and document traditional media appearances
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with commensurate experience (preferred degree programs include: communications, marketing, journalism, business, English, social science and other liberal arts)
1 to 2 years of relevant experience preferred
Required Skills
Content development, copywriting
Advertising and Marketing
Social media management
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and website tools
Proofreading and copywriting
Organizational skills in planning social media and contracted marketing activities and agreements
Self-motivation & problem solving —able to work alone and as a member of a team
Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environment with a strong sense of prioritization
Able to interact with a diverse community of staff, partners, participants, and volunteers
Preferred Skills and experience- these are all a plus
Public Relations/ Media Relations
Graphic Design
Customer service
Photography and videography
WordPress experience
Mailchimp or email CRM experience
Compensation:
Salary range is $33,000-40,000
This is a full-time, FLSA exempt position
The position is designed for full time 40hrs/week. However, we are open to the potential to arrange for a reduced work week (30 hrs/week), which would still include benefits.
Benefits include medical insurance and dental insurance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
New employees accrue 16 days of paid time off per year with 9 paid holidays.
Other benefits include flexible hours, a casual work environment, and an office located in downtown St. Louis, a short walk from MetroLink. A company car is available for some business-related local and regional travel. Free membership to the Downtown Bike Station.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to support diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, faith background, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Work Conditions:
Office environment with work-from-home options and flexibility. For virtual work, a high-speed internet is required.
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator should have a presence at 15-20 outdoor events in the bistate region, including bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Fundraising and outreach events take place at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Application Information
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org
For questions, email Kevin Hahn-Petruso: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Legislation to limit distracted driving will be up for debate in a Missouri Senate hearing tomorrow, Tuesday March 1 and you have a chance to help move the bill forward.
Will you help?
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
A Missouri State Senate bill sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
This legislation will be heard in committee tomorrow morning. This bill is one of several different initiatives in the Missouri Senate and House to limit distracted driving and the first to receive a hearing this year.
Stay tuned to Trailnet’s social media and newsletters for other opportunities to help advocate for distracted driving legislation this year.
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Two year, $200,000 Missouri Foundation for Health grant to support Trailnet advocacy
This month, Trailnet began work on a multi-year advocacy effort to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic crashes in the City of St. Louis.
This advocacy effort is funded through a new 2-year, $200,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). The MFH grant supports advocacy efforts to address community-identify health needs.
This advocacy effort is an extension of Trailnet’s ongoing advocacy, planning and education programs.
With this funding, this concentrated effort will:
1. Advocate for a comprehensive, need-based policy for traffic safety
Currently, most traffic safety improvements are done on a ward-by-ward basis, with wards receiving equal shares of funding regardless of the level of need in each ward. This approach – as well as the region’s history – has resulted in a fragmented, inequitable system: leaving some neighborhoods with safer streets, sidewalks, and bike infrastructure while others struggling to address basic needs.
Comprehensive means a city-wide approach and should include all relevant departments and community stakeholders.
Need-based means that areas with the most need should receive the most support. This should be informed by data and shaped by the needs of residents.
2. Support community efforts to prioritize mobility and safety
Residents are the experts on their communities, and they stand to benefit or lose the most from traffic projects. With this funding from MFH, Trailnet will support neighborhood and resident-led efforts to improve traffic safety.
3. Advocate for funding to support traffic safety improvements. Improving funding for safety upgrades is necessary to make any meaningful improvements to the safety of our streets. Through this MFH grant, Trailnet will work with community partners to advocate for greater funding to support these changes.
We’re Hiring: Rides Coordinator
About the Organization
Trailnet is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization with a 34-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for all people to get from place to place. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs. Join our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking.
The Trailnet Classics are a series of supported, single-day, multi-distanced bike rides around the St. Louis Region. Every ride includes:
– Marked routes, maps and turn-by-turn navigation
– Multiple rest stops with water and snacks
– Support (SAG) vehicles on the route to assist with mechanical and basic first aid issues
Overview:
The Trailnet Rides Coordinator is integral to the planning and success of the Trailnet Classics Rides. The Rides Coordinator is primarily responsible for coordinating and managing Rides volunteers, working with the Rides Director to plan and execute rest stop setup and management, and route marking. The Rides Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the highest standards for volunteer/participant safety and a positive event experience.
A successful candidate will be self-motivated, team-centric, strategic, charismatic, detail-oriented, and highly organized. Familiarity cycling events in the St. Louis Metropolitan area is preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
Logistics Support
Coordinate and assist Ride Director with planning and logistics, specifically day-of logistics and execution
Work all Trailnet Classics Rides events and preparation days prior to the event (see Time Commitment below)
Work with Rides Director to mark routes prior to event
Work with Rides Director to plan rest stop logistics
Prepare rest stop equipment and supplies
Execute Rest Stop setup and break down on event day
Volunteer Management
Recruit, train and manage event volunteers, with special attention to Rest Stop Captains
Communicate with volunteers prior to events to deliver instructions and answer questions
Obtain Volunteer Consent Forms from each rest stop captain and other volunteers
Qualifications:
Must successfully complete a background check and driving record screening
Ability to lead others, provide great customer service, analyze situations and make sound decisions, organize people and processes, be friendly, approachable, and dependable
Recruitment, Training, Relationship Building experience preferred
Must be available at all (7) event weekends and the days prior to event day to prepare equipment and supplies
Attend meetings with Rides Team to discuss and strategize event logistics
Comfortable driving large vehicles (Passenger vans, U-Hauls, etc)
Comfortable pulling a trailer. Backing up a trailer is a plus
Time Commitment:
Full day-of route marking usually 2 days prior to event
3 warehouse preparation days the week prior to event day
Very early call times with some as early as 5am. Depending on the event, lodging may be provided for the night before, particularly for events farther from St. Louis City
Long hours on event days. Up to 14 hours in some cases.
April 9th – StG Gravel Classic in Ste. Genevieve, MO
May 22nd – Uphill Battle in Wildwood, MO
July 10th – I Scream for Ice Cream Ride in Edwardsville, IL
July 31st – Calhoun County Classic in Calhoun County, IL
August 21st – Bottleneck Bridge Ride in Festus, MO
September 4th – Giro Della Montagna in St. Louis, MO
October 1st – Ride the Rivers Century in St. Charles, MO
Physical Demands:
These include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, pulling, pushing, standing for long periods of time, carrying, and lifting of light loads (up to 50 lb.). Working outside and in non-air conditioned settings and possibly in inclement weather.
Salary:
This is a part-time, contract position lasting from April through mid-October. Salary range: $7,000. Option for hourly but must commit to the entire rides season.
Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to rides@trailnet.org
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to support diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Advocacy Alert: Add your voice and help end distracted driving
Legislation to limit distracted driving will be up for debate in a Missouri Senate hearing in the coming weeks and you have a chance to help move the bill forward.
Will you help?
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
A Missouri State Senate bill sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
This legislation will be heard in committee in the coming weeks. This bill is one of several different initiatives in the Missouri Senate and House to limit distracted driving and the first to receive a hearing this year.
Stay tuned to Trailnet’s social media and newsletters for other opportunities to help advocate for distracted driving legislation this year
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Join our team: Membership Coordinator
Trailnet is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will lead by example promoting membership, providing excellent customer service, and stewarding members into longtime donors.
The ideal candidate will have a philanthropic mindset, enthusiastically seeking opportunities to connect people to our mission. They should find joy in meeting and working with people from diverse backgrounds with a shared vision of a safer region for walking, biking and using public transit.
Reporting Relationship:
The Membership Coordinator reports to the Development Director and works in collaboration with fundraising, marketing, planning, finance, rides, and program staff.
About the Organization:
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a 33-year history of making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. We believe everyone should have access to safe, comfortable walking and biking connections where we live, work, and play in our communities. Trailnet works within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love. We are leading the way by developing policy and on-the-ground solutions to help people of all ages and abilities reach community and cultural destinations by walking, biking, or taking transit.
Our team includes community planners, advocates, educators, bicyclists, transit users, and staunch supporters of local business. We advocate for spaces that are designed to encourage people to walk, bike, and take public transit. We believe that creating communities begins with understanding and appreciating the unique differences of all who live and work there. We embrace diversity and want to move our region forward with safe, equitable ways to get around that improve everyone’s quality of life.
Overview of the Position
Membership and Solicitation Programs:
Serves as the first point of contact for members and prospective members, and makes excellent customer service a priority
Executes routine and special initiative programs to acquire, retain and upgrade members to achieve financial and administrative goals
Works closely with the Director of Development to coordinate at least two annual membership drives and two online appeals including overseeing large scale-mail piece design, coordinating with a mail house, list exchanges, etc.
Implements membership renewal process with timely donor reminder letters and outreach to lapsed donors
Produces direct mail, personalized correspondence and online giving documents
Produces accurate and complete membership rosters in adaptive and intuitive formats
Monitors, analyzes and proactively reports on membership results using trends in member type, average giving, member total, total giving, and suggests corrective strategies
Maintains supplies and stationery for all membership correspondence and fulfillment
Supports annual member t-shirt ordering
Gift Processing and Tracking:
Provides excellent donor stewardship by quickly and accurately receiving, tracking, and acknowledging all gifts
Adheres to and updates gift processing policies and procedures
Creates and maintains transparent and easy-to-navigate paper and electronic files
Works with the Development Director to create insightful and accurate reports to the CEO, Development Committee and Board
Donor Database and List Management:
Maintains the donor database to ensure its highest possible function
Routinely updates donor records with information from a variety of sources
Provides timely, high-quality data output for a variety of requests and purposes
Updates data entry and management procedures
Works with Rides Director and ride registration program to ensure ride registration supports membership recruitment and provides an excellent experience for members
Assemble targeted mail and email lists and share with partners as needed
Development and Fund-Raising Activities:
Supports Development Director for annual Gala and donor recognition events
Serves as a resource for volunteer recruiting and registration; collects and tracks volunteer hours in the donor database
Provides energetic, donor-focused support at fundraising and member events
Determines Trailnet’s involvement at community and corporate wellness fairs, and coordinates staffing for those events, working the events as needed
Strategically promotes Trailnet’s brand and membership in all aspects of work
Co-chairs annual volunteer and member recognition events with Rides Director
Finance and Administration:
Serve as back-up to Office Manager for phones and bank deposits
Works closely with the Finance Manager to ensure an accurate interface between Development and Finance
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, relevant field (Marketing, Communications, Business, Administrative Studies, Human Resources, Fundraising/Philanthropy, or other Social Sciences) preferred
One year of experience working in an office setting, preferably in a non-profit organization in fundraising or communications
Experience and knowledge of donor database systems preferred (Trailnet uses DonorPerfect and will provide training specific to its use)
Computer literate with the ability to effectively use technology (Google workplace, Microsoft Office, printer-copier, postage meter)
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Exceptional organizational and time management skills
Self-motivated—able to work alone, and as a member of a team
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of prioritization
Strong customer service orientation with the desire to interact with a diverse community of staff, partners, participants, and volunteers
Able to work weekends and some evenings throughout the year supporting Trailnet events and outreach: 10-12 outdoor events in the bistate region, including distance bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
Make phone calls
Work Environment
As of January 2022, the majority of our staff is in a remote-work environment, with limited time in the office. All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Compensation
Full-time, Exempt
Salary range is $33,000- $40,000.
Eligible for full-time benefits including Medical and Dental Insurance
Competitive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience, flexible hours, casual work environment, office located in downtown St. Louis, a short walk from MetroLink. A company car is available for some business-related local and regional travel. Free membership to the Downtown Bike Station.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Application Information
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 27, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.
Corinne Austin: Our new Development Director
Trailnet is so excited to welcome Corinne back to the Trailnet team as our new Development Director! Corinne looks forward to getting to know Trailnet members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and all of the incredible people who make up the Trailnet community.
She hopes to connect people who share our values and vision with opportunities to make our region safer for biking, walking and public transit. She brings 6 years of fundraising and relationship-building experience to the team, previously serving at the Humane Society of Missouri, Trailnet, and Pedal the Cause. Many members may recognize her from her time as Trailnet’s Membership Manager a few years ago.
Q & A with Corinne…
1) Talk about all your experience in non-profit development and career achievements you want to share…
I started my career at the Humane Society of Missouri, where I worked in the Development Department, where I experienced the joy of giving and the impact of philanthropy. I decided to continue to pursue a career in nonprofit fund development. In 2018, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Trailnet staff as Membership Manager, where I got to meet Trailnet members and connect them with opportunities to support advocacy, education and community planning programs. For the last few years, I served as the Development Manager at Pedal the Cause where I recruited, trained and partnered with team captains and participants to raise critical funds for cancer research through an annual community cycling challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am proud to still be a part of the #PedalFamily.
I’m passionate about giving back to the nonprofit sector and the profession of fundraising. Last year, I was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis Chapter’s 2021 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Emerging Fundraiser. A few weeks ago, I earned a credential as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I’ve had the opportunity to speak about engaging millennials in philanthropy at several professional conferences, including the 2018 AFP St. Louis Conference and 2019 AFP ICON International Conference.
2) What drew you to Trailnet?
I went to college in Boston, where I relied entirely on biking, walking, and public transit to get around. I loved getting to spend more time outside, staying active, and exploring the city. I felt like I got to know the city so much more intimately than I could have from behind a car window. One day while I was still in college, I stopped by the Trailnet office with my dad when he picked up his packet for Ride the Rivers, and I was drawn to the energy of the staff. I remember saying to my dad “It would be so cool to work there someday!” I got to fulfill that dream in 2018 as the Membership Manager, and now I get to continue it in a new way as Director of Development.
I share Trailnet’s vision of a more connected, equitable, healthy and sustainable community. That is the kind of place I want to work, live and play. I’m so honored to join our members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, board and staff in making that dream a reality, one day at a time.
3) What is your educational background?
Well, since I’m from St. Louis I guess I should tell you where I went to high school — Cor Jesu Academy. I went on to graduate with a BS in political science from Northeastern University in 2015. I continue to seek continuing education in my field of nonprofit management and fundraising.
4) What do you do for fun?
My husband and I have a menagerie of senior pets — our dog Rex, three cats (Kevin, Matilda and Elsa), and a tank of fish. I love staying active by biking, hiking, rowing, and lifting heavy stuff.
5) Anything else you want to share with our audience!
I can’t wait to get to know more of the Trailnet community, reconnect with our members, and spend more time on my bike!
New year & renewed efforts on distract driving
The start of the 2022 legislative session at the state capitol in Jefferson City saw the introduction of more than a dozen bills focused on curbing distracted driving.
Trailnet is helping lead efforts with partners across the state to curb distracted driving and pass legislation that limits phone use by people while driving. This bi-partisan coalition, Hands Free Missouri, is pushing for new rules that limit people from using their phones while driving.
With the legislative session underway, we are working to grow the coalition of supporters, engage with lawmakers, coordinate testimony for bills, and make progress on this problem.
Missouri is the last state in the nation without meaningful restrictions on all drivers using phones while driving. This lack of rules endangers everyone on our roads, but puts people walking and biking at an ever greater risk.
Dangerous, distracted driving poses one of the biggest threats to people walking and biking in our community. In Missouri more than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving and 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
It is vital that Missouri lawmakers pass meaningful distracted driving legislation and each of us realize the real, human risk that comes from distracted driving.
We need your help to stop distracted driving:
Set an example for the people in your life by not using your phone while driving
Call or email your Missouri State Representative and Senator asking them to support hands free driving legislation
Get involved with Trailnet’s advocacy work by emailing our Policy Manager: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Share the incredibly powerful and personal toll distracted driving crashes can have for people. Watch or share one of these incredibly impactful videos from one of our partners in the Hands Free Coalition, Mercy Injury Prevention
Trailnet is excited to announce two new grants supporting our work to improve walking and biking in the community in 2022. Together these grants represent $40,000 of new funding to support our mission and programs.
P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation
Trailnet received $25,000 from the P. Wayne & Jane B. Goode Foundation to support our planning, education and advocacy efforts. Wayne Goode was a former Missouri state legislator who also served the region as president of Trailnet’s board. Wayne passed away in the fall of 2020 and we appreciate the support of his family’s foundation and the lasting impact this grant offers.
U.S. Energy Foundation
Trailnet has also received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Energy Foundation to assist the City of St. Louis with community engagement efforts. These efforts are focused on modifying streets to be safer and lower-stress for people walking and biking. This effort is in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and is aimed at reducing the environmental effects of car-dependency by making walking and biking safer and more accessible.
