Be an ARA ALSTAR!
After a great pilot year of the program in 2024 with more than 40 participants, applications are now open for the 2nd annual ALSTARs (Alabama’s Special Trained Advocates for Rivers) training program! This year’s training will take place December 2025 – June 2026 and will consist of three two-hour training sessions, plus engaging assignments and strategy calls throughout the 2026 legislative session.
ABOUT THE ALSTAR PROGRAM
ALSTARs, now in its second year, is an informal training program for ARA members and allies who are interested in learning more about legislative advocacy and building long-term relationships with their elected officials. We are building this team of ALSTARs to be our go-to advocates when we need to talk with elected officials at the state and local level about important matters related to river protection, clean water advocacy, and other important environmental issues.
The training is easy! It will be 2-3 training sessions, led by ARA staff and other experts, and includes some great opportunities. You’ll learn more about your elected officials, set up meetings with your state legislators and local city councilor or county commissioner, and have a backstage pass to ARA’s legislative advocacy during the 2026 session.
Participants will not only become mini-lobbyists, but will also become a part of an elite group of volunteers that we can rely on to assist with our legislative advocacy for years to come. You will be given the opportunity to share your experience at Alabama Water Rally 2026 and encourage others to participate in future ALSTAR trainings.
ABOUT THE TRAININGS
Training 1 will be a two hour training in December on the workings of state and local government in Alabama.
Training 2 will be a two hour training in early January on the legislative session, interested bills and priority issues expected to come up during the session.
Training 3 will be a two hour session in late April/early May to discuss how to engage candidates and educate voters on environmental issues leading up to the primary elections in June (501c3 friendly activities only will be discussed)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!SPECIAL NOTE: This year, we will only be able to accept 15 applicants so we can provide a more tailored training for each trainee. Applicants will be notified by email by December 1 with more information about the dates for the first two training sessions.