Yvonne Allbritton-Chapman

SANTA FE — Yvonne Allbritton-Chapman, of Socorro, is among seven New Mexicans, who will be working throughout the summer and beyond to improve the walkability of their communities.

The New Mexico State Walking College is a joint effort between AARP New Mexico and America Walks to offer a six-month, distance-learning fellowship program for people interested in advocating to make their communities more walkable. Participants, known as fellows, will complete a series of modules covering leadership development, coalition-building, walkable community design, local public policy, and strategic planning. The program is part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative.

Allbritton-Chapman is a K-12 teacher, with plans to transition to social justice, who says Socorro has one of the most beautiful sky views in the country.

“But there are not many safe walking paths from which to enjoy it,” Allbritton-Chapman said, “which is why I applied for the walking college. My aim is to make a positive difference, in all avenues available, in my community.”

“Each fellow will finish the college by developing a walking action plan for their community that they can take to local leaders and elected officials to implement change. We are very excited to not only see what they come up with, but how those plans are implemented moving forward,” Joseph Sanchez, AARP New Mexico State Director, said.

Other New Mexico State Walking College Fellows are:

Desiree Rangel – Sunland Park.

Don Miller – Santa Fe

Nadine Kowice – Laguna and Acoma Pueblos

Dennis Felipe Jr. – Acoma Pueblo

Mario Hooee – Zuni Pueblo

Maria Tsethlikai – Jemez Pueblo

Chieftain Staff Report