Grasstops Collective with the Outdoor Alliance
By Drew Brodhead – Anchor Maintenance and Advocacy Coordinator
-This Blog Post Will Be Continually Updated-
I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the second cohort of the Outdoor Alliance Grasstops Collective—a national advocacy training program that empowers leaders in the human-powered recreation community to connect with policymakers and advocate for the protection of the outdoors.
From June through November, I’ll be working alongside a diverse group of advocates to build relationships with members of Congress and learn how to navigate and influence federal policy. With support from Outdoor Alliance and the Congressional Management Foundation, we’ll dive into everything from how Congress operates to how we, as local voices, can become trusted resources on public lands and recreation issues.
The program kicks off with an in-person retreat in Fort Collins, Colorado, followed by regular virtual trainings and a fly-in to Washington, D.C. this fall. I’ll be sharing updates here as the program moves along—what I’m learning, how it’s going, and how it all connects back to Utah, the Wasatch, and the outdoor places we care deeply about.
About the Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than 10 years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has permanently protected 40 million acres of public land, secured $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and has converted more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org.
Stay tuned—and thanks for following along on this journey in conservation and advocacy!
UPDATE: June 1–2, 2025
On June 1st and 2nd, I traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado, for the kickoff retreat of the second cohort of the Grasstops Collective with Outdoor Alliance.
Over two packed days, we quickly built strong connections through a mix of icebreakers, outdoor activities, socializing, and—of course—great food and beer at New Belgium Brewery. We were joined by special guests from partner organizations within the Outdoor Alliance coalition, including Access Fund and The Mountaineers, and welcomed by CEO Adam Cramer.
One highlight was an open and insightful conversation with Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources, and Patrick Donovan, State Director for Senator Michael Bennet.
These two days laid a solid foundation for what’s ahead over the next five months of policy and advocacy training. I'm thrilled to grow alongside such an inspiring group of people in this cohort.
Big thanks to Outdoor Alliance and New Belgium Brewery for an incredible start to this journey!
