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Certified Citizen Advocate

Category: Community Engagement and Organizing
Certified Citizen Advocate (Policy)

Overview
Train on rail policy and represent the passenger perspective to leaders and the press.

Key Responsibilities
- Complete RPA’s advocacy training modules and refreshers.
- Conduct outreach to elected officials, agencies, and civic groups.
- Contribute letters/op‑eds; support rapid‑response campaigns.
- Capture rider stories and local needs to inform RPA priorities.

Qualifications
- Persuasive speaker/writer with a collaborative mindset.
- Self‑directed researcher; social media comfort helpful.
- Willing to learn and follow message discipline.

Time Commitment
Variable; ~2–4 hours/week on average, higher during campaigns or hearings.

Benefits
- Certification badge; recognition at conference/events.
- Bylines and public‑facing impact to showcase in your portfolio.
Should be a Rail Passengers member or prepared to join Rail Passengers to participate. To
apply, send a resume, clips/links and a cover letter by email to [email protected].

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."

Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.