Since 2013 Bike Walk Wichita has been the beneficiary of a immensely productive relationship with the clinical- community psychology doctoral program at Wichita State University. Professor Greg Meissen has directed a number of students to work as interns with Bike Walk Wichita. The results have been significant for a nonprofit like Bike Walk Wichita, whose budget for research and development is zero! Here’s a few snapshots our friends from WSU:
My name is Jasmine Harris. I am a clinical psychology graduate student at Wichita State University. I was given the privilege of being assigned to work with Bike Walk Wichita for my community practicum. My role was to promote Bike Walk Wichita using social media. This includes getting people involved with more events, advocacy and active transportation as a whole. Hopefully by the end of practicum, membership totals will increase and include a more diverse population.
My name is Sarah Staats, and I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical-Community Psychology at Wichita State University. One of my passions is helping people live healthy, vibrant lives through physical activity. This interest led me to intern with Bike Walk Wichita to advocate for bikeability and walkability in the Wichita area. In my capacity-building work with this incredible organization, I helped developed the membership model now in use, created templates to assist in grant-writing, trained leadership in IRS requirements and state incorporation requirements for 501(c)3 organizations, and co-facilitated board training. Most importantly, I made lasting connections with a warm and encouraging community who grew my love for active forms of transportation. The experience of working with BWW was enriching and rewarding (and just plain FUN) in every way: professionally, personally, socially.
Expanded space and hours will transform this downtown property into our active bike/walk center that will allow us to reach thousands more.