Wagner, South Dakota - America Walks, a national advocacy organization working to empower communities to create safe, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk and move, announced today that Weewashte Conroy, Wagner Area Health & Wellness Consortium president, has been awarded a Walking College Fellowship as part of the 2019 program.

The Fellowship will enable Weewashte and other advocates from around the country to participate in a five-month training program designed to strengthen local efforts to make communities more walkable and livable. "We are thrilled to welcome Weewashte as a member of the Walking College," said Emilie Bahr, Walking College Manager with America Walks, "This year’s application process was extremely competitive and rich with unique professionals, and she will make a fitting addition to our 2019 class. We look forward to developing participant’s skills and are excited to see their knowledge grow, share experiences, and prepare plans to expand their work for bolstering walkability at home.”

Weewashte will complete a six-module distance-education training program this summer, followed by an independent study project in Wagner. She will also engage with the national network of America Walks and meet other walking champions at various events throughout the year. Wee states that she’s “excited to gain knowledge and meet other people who are passionate about improving the overall health of their communities. I hope to learn new ideas that will help the increase the safety and walkability of Wagner.”

The Walking College curriculum has been designed to expand the capacity of local advocates to be effective community change agents. Topics include the science behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, as well as communication skills and building relationships with stakeholders and decision makers. Fellows work with other members of their class and a set of experienced mentors to develop the knowledge and skills needed to create community change. At the conclusion of the Walking College, Fellows will develop a Walking Action Plan for implementation using their new skills.

About America Walks: America Walks, a nonprofit national organization, is leading the way in empowering communities to create safe, accessible, and enjoyable walking conditions for all. We provide a voice for walking and walkable communities with federal agencies, provide strategy support, training and technical assistance to statewide, regional, and local organizations, and serve as the convener of the national Every Body Walk! Collaborative. Together, America Walks and the Every Body Walk! Collaborative boast 700 allied organizations who across the nation are working to increase walking and support walkable communities for all members. More at www.americawalks.org.

The Wagner Area Health & Wellness Consortium is excited to support Wee in this experience and to continue to promote safe, affordable physical activity opportunities in our community. To find out more about upcoming Wellness Consortium events, follow us on Facebook, or check out our website https://wagnerareawellness.wixsite.com/consortium or contact one of the officers: Weewashte Conroy, president; Michelle Olson, vice president; Connie Kaufman, treasurer; Samantha Dvorak, secretary.