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HelpingYouthtoPlan,Implement,andEvaluateaProject 61
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1.HowToChooseandPlana SuccessfulYouthProject
Akeystrategyinhelpingyouthformpositivelifelonghealthhabitsistoencouragethemtobecomehealthadvocates.Youthcanplanandimplementaprojectthataddressesnutritionandphysicalactivityissuesrelevanttotheirneighborhood,home,orschool.Youth-drivenprojectsgiveyourprogramgreatwaystogainvisibilityandbuildcommunityawareness,andhelpyouthtodevelopandpracticeimportantteam-building,leadership,criticalthinking,problem-solving,andorganizationskills.
Thefollowingareexamplesofsomeexcitingyouth-drivenprojectsthat:
PromoteCommunityEducation
Researchandproduceapublicserviceannouncementaboutnutritionandphysicalactivityforalocalcablestation;orresearch,write,andsubmitanarticleoreditorialtoalocalpaper.
Developaresourceguideofplaceswhereyouthcanbephysicallyactiveintheircommunity.
Conductasurveyoffoodsservedatyouthhangouts(shoppingmall,cornerstores).Makealistofaffordableandhealthfulsnackfoodsavailableatthoselocations.
Workwithlocalrestaurantstoaddhealthfulmenuitemsormodifyexistingitemstobehealthier.
Conductacommunityassessmentsuchasawalkabilitysurveytofindthesafestandbestplacesforwalkinginthecommunity.Makealistofthoselocations.
InfluencePolicyandLegislation
Gatherinformationonfoodsservedatclasspartiesandsportingeventsorsoldforschoolfundraisers.Workwiththeschooltosetahealth-consciouspolicyforfoodsatschoolfunctions.
Writelettersormakephonecallstoalocalpublicofficialregardinganutritionorphysicalactivityissuethataffectsthecommunity.
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ChangeOrganizationalPractices
Workwithyourschooltoaddhealthfulfooditemstoschoolmenusandvendingmachines.
Workwiththeschoolphysicaleducationdepartmenttobroadentheclassestaught(e.g.,hip-hopdance,swimming).
StrengthenIndividualHealthKnowledge,Attitudes,andSkills
Conductparenteducationmeetingsonnutritionandphysicalactivity.
Giveparentsnutritionandphysicalactivityinformationsothattheycanreinforcethehealthmessagesyourprogramprovides.
Toensuresuccess,itisessentialthatyouthhaveownershipoftheprojectbybeingfullyinvolvedateachstep—fromdecidingonanissue,todevelopinganactionplan,tocompletinganevaluation.Youtharefullofcreativeideas,freshopinions,energy,andenthusiasm.Theycanbeavaluableassetinexposingissuesthataffectthecommunityandfindingsolutionstoproblems.However,workingwithyouthwillrequiretimeandpatience.Allactivitiesshouldbecloselysupportedandmonitoredbyadultmentorstoencourageresponsibilityandensurefollow-through.
Tofacilitateayouth-drivenproject,youwillneedtohelpwiththefollowingsteps:
1.Assessingtheenvironment
2.Decidingonaproject
3.Buildinganactionplan
4.Gatheringdetailedinformation
5.Reviewingprogress
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Step1.AssesstheEnvironment
Haveyouththinkabouttheirneighborhoodortheirschoolorhomeenvironment:Whattypesofgrocerystores,restaurants,andrecreationalfacilitiesarethere?Doestheirschoolsellunhealthfulfoodsinthevendingmachinesandatlunch?Dotheyhaveopportunitiesforphysicalactivityduringschoolhours?Doestheirfamilyregularlyparticipateinphysicalactivity?Arefreshfruitsorvegetablesavailableforsnackingathome?Byobservingtheseaspectsoftheirenvironments,youthcandeterminethesignificantnutritionandphysicalactivityissuesandselectanareatochangeorimprove.
UsetheAssess Your Environmenthandout,ordevelopyourownquestionstoassistyouryouthtoassessnutritionandphysicalactivityintheirenvironment.YoucanalsousetheSchoolHealthIndex(http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/shi/default.aspx),ausefulassessmenttoolforschool-basednutritionandphysicalactivity.Theycanusetheresultsoftheirassessmenttomakeachoiceorvoteontheirtopissue.
Tip:Thesequestionscanbecompletedanddiscussedingroupsorcompletedindividuallyasahomeworkassignment.Foryoungeryouth,wesuggestyouhavethemconsideroneenvironmentonly(i.e.,school,community,orhome).
Step2.DecideonaProject
Onceyouthhaveidentifiedanissue,it’stimetocomeupwithaproject.Brainstormingisagreatwaytotapintoeveryone’sideas.Facilitateabrainstormingactivityduringameetingorclass,oraskyouthtobrainstormideaswithparentsandotherfamilymembers.
1.Brainstormideasforaprojectontheidentifiedissue.
Everybodymustparticipateandhelpidentifyasmanyideasaspossible—fromsillytoseriousandeverythinginbetween.Writedowneverybody’sideas.You’llmakechoiceslater.Nobodycriticizesanybodyelse’sideas.
2.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions.
Howmuchtimedowehavetocompletetheproject?
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Whatspecificallydowewanttodo—createanewpolicyorlegislation,changeapractice,provideeducation,orhelptoimproveindividualchoices?Whowillbethetargetaudience?Whichideawillmakethemostdifferenceorhavealastingimpact?Whichideahasthebestchanceofsucceeding?
3.Chooseoneideatoworkwith.
4.Setgoalsandobjectivessothattheachievementcanbemeasured.
UsetheBrainstorming Worksheet handoutonpage79.
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Issues Ideas
Therearetoofewplanned Surveyyouthintheneighborhoodtocomeupsportsactivitiesinmycommunity. withideasforphysicalactivityandpresentyour resultstothecitycouncil,schooldistrict,or communitycenter.
Myneighborhoodisnotasafe Assesstheneighborhood,comeupwithideasforplacetobephysicallyactive. improvements(e.g.,increasedsecurity/police patrol,lighting,repairsidewalks)andpresent resultstothecitycouncil.
Myschoolservestoomany Workwithschoolfoodservices,schoolhealthhigh-fat,high-sugarfoods. councils,and/orschooladministratorstofind healthieralternativestoserveatschoolfunctions, inthecafeteria,andinvendingmachines.
Wedonothaveenough Developapetitiontogivestudentsincreasedopportunitiestogetphysical accesstotheschool’srecreationalfacilitiesandactivityatschool. sportsequipmentbefore,during,andafter schoolhours.
Or
Talkwiththeprincipalabouthowtoincrease opportunitiesforphysicalactivityduringthe schoolday.
HelpingYouthtoPlan,Implement,andEvaluateaProject 65
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Step3.BuildanActionPlan
Haveyouthbuildtheirownactionplanbyconsideringwhatneedstobedone,whowilldoit,andwhenitshouldbedone.Iftheyareworkingingroups,makesurethatallmembersareinvolvedbyassigningspecifictasksfromtheactionplantoeachperson.Alwayshaveanadultavailabletogivedirectionandkeepeveryonefocused.Aftereachstepiscompleted,haveyouthassesshowtheirplanisgoing,identifyhurdles,andcomeupwithsolutions.Thisisalsoagoodtimeforanadultfacilitatortoprovidedirection,advice,andpositivereinforcement.
UsetheAction Planhandoutonpage81.
SampleActionPlan
Idea:Toofewopportunitiesforcommunityparticipationinphysicalactivity
Project:Prepareareportforthecitycouncilonhowtoincreasecommunityphysicalactivity.
Activity Who Does It By When
Gatherinformationaboutphysical Allofus October4activityintheneighborhood
Takephotosofunsafeandunkempt Allofus November4recreationareas,sidewalks,etc.
Meettodiscussdataandcomeup Allofus December4withsolutions
Puttogetherreport Allofus February4
Writenewsrelease Omar February4
Contactmedia Joe February4
Meetwithcitycouncilmembersor Allofus March4attendcitycouncilmeeting
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLean,PublicHealthInstitute
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Step4.GatherDetailedInformation
Onceadecisionhasbeenmadeaboutanissueandproject,thenextstepistobecomefamiliarwiththeissueandgatherinformation.Examplesmightincludecollectingspecificnutritioninformationonmenuitemsfromlocalrestaurantsoronsnackfoodsavailableinschoolvendingmachines,surveyingstudentsonwhattheythinkoffoodsservedatschool,orconductingawalkabilitysurveyoftheirneighborhood.
Here’showtogetstarted:
Helpyouthbecomefamiliarwiththeirissue.
Providelearningopportunitiessuchashands-onactivities,handouts,orguestspeakers.Ifyouryouthprojectinvolvesimprovingsnackchoices,talkaboutwhatmakesahealthyorpoorsnackchoiceandconductanactivityonreadingfoodlabels.
Encourageyouthtocontactlocalgroupsthatsupportsimilarissuesandfindoutwhattheydo.ExamplesmightincludealocalchapteroftheAmericanHeartAssociation,ahospital,theschooldistrict,theCityParksandRecreationDepartment,theCityHealthDepartment,community-basedorganizationssuchastheYMCAorBoys&GirlsClubs,orlocalbusinessessuchasahealthcluborgrocerystore.Havetheyouthcreatealistoforganizations,groups,businesses,orindividualstocontactandpotentiallyworkwith.(PleaserefertotheWhat Resources Are Available?handoutonpage82.)
ShowyouthhowtheycanlearnmoreabouttheirissueviatheInternet.(SeeResourceschapterforalistofnutritionandphysicalactivityWebsites.)
Helpyouthdecidewhatinformationtocollectanddevelopadatacollectiontool.Forexample:
Collectnutritioninformationonfoodsservedatschool,athome,orinneighborhoodrestaurantsandfast-foodplaces;atmovietheaters;andatsportingevents.
Interviewstudentsorfamilymembersfortheiropinionsonfoodservedoravailableatschoolorathome.
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Collectinformationoncommunityrecreationfacilitiessuchasparks,playgrounds,andrecreationcenters(e.g.,safety,hoursopentothepublic,theircondition,organizedphysicalactivities,equipmentavailable,varietyofphysicalactivitiesavailable).
Tastetesthealthysnackoptionsatschool,athome,orinthecommunity.
SampledatacollectiontoolsincludeWhat’s in Your Vending Machine?,Prepared Combination Foods,andWalkability Checklistonpages83-85.
Reviewthefindings.
Step5.ReviewProgress
Fromthetimeyouputyourplanintoaction,evaluationandmonitoringarekeytodeterminingwhetheryouractivitiesareontrack,howwellyouaremovingtowardachievingyourobjectives,andwhetheryourgoalshavebeenmet.Itisimportanttokeepstakeholdersandcommunitypartnersinformedandinvolvedinordertoeffectivelygainsupportandkeepcommunicationlinesopen.
Remindyouthaboutthepossibilityofchallengesthatmayariseandgivethemexamplesinordertopreparethemtoaddresstheissuestheymayface.Theremayalsobetimeswhentasksmaytakelongerthanexpected.Thisiscommonandyouthcanbeencouragedtoevaluatetheirprogressaftertheycompleteeachstepintheiractionplan.Theycanthenmakeadjustmentsasneededandstayontarget.
Aftertheentireprojectiscompleted,itisalsoimportanttoassesswhetheroverallgoalsweremet.Encourageyouryouthtowriteanevaluationreport.Thedocumentcouldbeusefulwhenapplyingtocollegesorforscholarships,andwhenlookingforemployment.
UsetheProject Review Worksheet onpage88.
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2.HowToPromoteandPublicizeYourProject
Publicizingyouryouthprojectmeansbringingcommunityawarenesstoyourissue,generatingsupport,andhighlightingyourprogramandthepositiveworkitdoesforyouthinthecommunity.Youryouthcanwriteletters,makephonecalls,givepresentations,createapublicserviceannouncement,orworkwithlocalmedia.Themediaespeciallyenjoyhearingfromyoungpeople,sogetthewordoutaboutyourprogramanditsexcitingactivities.
DecidingWhotoContact
Yourultimategoalistoreachasmanypeopleaspossibleandgetthemtalkingaboutyourprojectanditspositivemessages.Thefirststepistoidentifywhoshouldknowaboutyourprojectandthebestwaytoreachthem.Collectinformationaboutwho’swhoinyourcommunityandmakeatargetcontactlist.Althoughworkingwiththemediaallowsyoutoreachalargenumberofpeopleatonetime,therearealwaysotheravenuesavailabletohelpyoureachyourtargetaudience.Examplesoftheseare:
Local associations and organizations. Iflocalorganizations(e.g.,voluntaryhealthgroups,universities)areinvolvedwithyourprogram,asktheircommunicationsdepartmentstohelppublicizeyouractivities.Theycansendoutpressreleases,putannouncementsintheirnewsletters,andinformtheirmembersaboutyouractivities.
Local politicians (mayor, city council members, school board members, etc.).Youwillattractattentionsimplybyhavingthesepeopleinvolved.YoucanalsoworkwithlocalorStateofficialstocreateaproclamation.
Media personalities.Mediaoutletsarealwayslookingforlocalstories.(UsetheWorking with the Mediahandoutonpage91.)Watchyournewsstationandreadyourlocalnewspaperstofindoutiftheyhavespecialcorrespondentswhocovercommunityactivities,education,health,fitness,orotherrelevantsubjects.Youcanalsocontacttheassignmenteditorsorreportersyourself.(Pleaserefertotheendofthischapterforadditionalmediasupportinformation.)
Local sports figures. Getyourlocalhighschool,college,semiprofessional,andprofessionalsportsteamsinvolved.Manyofthemarelookingforwaystocontributetothecommunity,andtheir
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involvementwillgeneratepublicityforyouractivities.Contacttheteam’spublicrelationsrepresentative.
Weather forecasters.Oneofthemosteffectivewaystogetyourmessageoutisthroughlocalweatherforecasters.Theycanmentionactivitiesandshowpromotionalitemsontheair.Theygenerallyappearseveraltimesthroughoutanewscastandoftenmentioncommunityactivitieseachtime.
Local DJs.Enlistaradiopersonalitytohelpspreadthewordaboutyourproject.Considermakingavisittotheradiostationwhileapopularshowisbroadcastlive.Bringtheyouthalong—theymaygetthechancetotalkontheairabouttheirproject.Theycanalsocreateandsubmitapublicserviceannouncement.
DevelopingPromotionalMaterials
Nowthatyouknowwhoyouwanttotell,youneedtodecidewhatyouwanttotellthem.Yourgoalistocatchtheirattention.
Develop a press release.Apressreleaseconveysinformationaboutyourprojectinaquickandeasy-to-readfashion.Makesuretoincludewho,what,when,where,how,andwhyclearlyandconcisely.Alsoincludethetitle,date,time,andlocationaswellasacontactpersonandphonenumberforfurtherinformation.Besuretostateifthepressreleaseiswrittenbytheyouth.Peoplewillbemuchmoreinterestedinyourstory.Youcandevelopapresskitwithadditionalinformationsuchasabackgrounder(informationonyourprogramandparticipantsandactivities),biographies,photos,activitydescriptions,etc.Assemblethekitwiththemostimportantinformationinthefrontandanysecondaryinformationintheback.(Thereisa Sample Press Releaseonpage97.)
Create a public service announcement.Havetheyouthdeveloptheirownpublicserviceannouncementbydividingupthetasks(writer,recorder,supervisor,timekeeper,etc.).
Submit an article or editorial to a local newspaper.
Create posters and flyers.Thesecanbehunginlocalstorefrontsoroncommunityinformationboards.
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70 Empowering Youth With Nutrition and Physical Activity
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MakingContact
Developamediacontactlisttousetospreadthewordaboutyourproject.
Contact the media.Whenworkingwiththemedia,itisespeciallyimportanttocontacttherightperson.Inlargemetropolitanareas,mediadirectoriesareoftenavailableatmostpubliclibraries.Youcanalsocontactthestationorpublicationdirectlyandfindoutwhocoversthenutrition,health,food,orcommunitybeat.Mailorfaxacopyofyourpressreleaseorkitalongwithacoverletterexplainingyourprojectandwhyitwouldbeagoodstorytocover.Youmightfindthatyougetthebestresponsebyfaxingyourpressrelease.UsetheWorking With the Media, Media Contact List, Media Plan Checklist,andSample Media Advisory handoutsattheendofthischapter.
Contact your weather forecaster. Writeanintroductoryletter.Brieflydiscussyouractivitiesandrequesthisorherparticipation.Prepareaspecialpromotionalgift,likeabasketoffreshfruitandvegetables,ahealthymenucookbook,orsamplehealthysnacks.Yourgiftmayendupontelevision,somakesureitlooksattractiveandappealing.Includeyourpresskitwiththegift,andifpossibledeliveritinpersontothestation.
Write letters. Aletterisagreatwaytoeitherinformsomeoneaboutyourprojectorgetsomeonetosupportyourcause.
Make phone calls.Therearetwohandoutstoassistintelephoning:Making Phone Calls and Phone Guide.
Contactthecommunitycalendarsectionsofthelocalnewspapersandtelevisionstationstopostyouractivity.
Includearticleswrittenbyyouthinyourparentnewsletter.
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3.HowToWorkWithParents,Community Members,andCommunityInstitutions
Gettingparentsandthecommunityinvolvedinsupportingyouryouthprojectsisessential.Parentsandcommunitymemberscancreateapositiveenvironmentbybeingrolemodels—settingagoodexamplebybeingphysicallyactiveandmakinghealthyeatingchoices.Theycanalsoofferanabundanceofvaluableresourcessuchastime,money,supplies,expertise,feedback,andfreepublicity.
Considerinvolvingthefollowingcommunitymembersinyourproject:
Who HowTheyCanSupport
Parents Makeintroductionstokeypolicymakers, transportyouthtospecialevents,help conductactivities
Teachers Assigncreditforstudentprojects
Citycouncilmembers Gettrafficpatternschanged
Localschooldistricts/ Changevendingmachineoptions,representatives schoolpolicies
Religiousgroup Supportevents,publicizeprojectsatworshiprepresentatives servicesorinthegroup’snewsletter
Healthcareproviders/ Providehealthinformation,meetingspacehospital forevents,resources(handouts)
Businessleaders, Donatefoodsorsportsequipment,especiallythoseinthe sponsorevents,teamsfoodorfitnessindustries
Mediarepresentatives Publicizeevents,issues
Localsportsfigures Helpgetlocalpresscoverage,attend events,speakatparentmeetings
Otheryouth Provideinformation,helpconductsurveys, putupflyersaboutcommunitymeetings
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4.Handouts
Choose and Plan a Project
AssessYourEnvironment
BrainstormingWorksheet,Sample
BrainstormingWorksheet
TheActionPlan
WhatResourcesAreAvailable?
What’sinYourVendingMachine?
PreparedCombinationFoods
WalkabilityChecklist
ProjectReviewWorksheet
Promote and Publicize Your Project
MakingPhoneCalls
PhoneGuide
WorkingWiththeMedia
MediaPlanChecklist
MediaContactList
SampleMediaAdvisory
SamplePressRelease
SampleBackgrounder
SampleFactSheet
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AssessYourEnvironment
InYourNeighborhood
1. Canyoubuyfreshfruitsandvegetablesandmilkandmilkproductsatthestoresnearyourhome?
=Yes =No
2.Canyoubuylowerfatfoodssuchaslowfat(1%)orfat-freemilk,orwhole-wheatorotherwhole-grainbreads?
=Allthetime =Never =Sometimes,explain =Don’tknow
3.Aretherefast-foodplacesinyourneighborhood?
=Alot =Notalot =Sortof,explain =Don’tknow
4.Arethereanyrestaurantsthatservelowfatfoods?
=Alot =Notalot =Sortof,explain =Don’tknow
5.Isthereaparkorcommunitycenterinyourneighborhood? =Yes =No =Don’tknow
6.Dotheyoffersportsprogramsandactivitiesforyoungpeopleandfamilies?
=Alot =Afew =None =Don’tknow
7.Aretheparksinyourneighborhoodsafeandclean?
=Yes =No =Sortof,explain =Don’tknow
8.Arethereenoughstopsigns,trafficlights,andspeedbumpsinyourneighborhood?
=Yes =No =Sortof,explain =Don’tknow
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AtYourSchool
1.Doesyourcafeteriaservefruitsandvegetables? =Everyday =Sometimes=Never =Don’tknow
2.Doesyourcafeteriaservefastfood(fromrestaurantfranchises)? =Everyday =Sometimes=Never =Don’tknow
3.Doesyourcafeteriaserve(offer)whole-grainfoods? =Everyday =Sometimes=Never =Don’tknow
4.Howmanyvendingmachinesdoesyourschoolhave? =1-2 =3-4 =5-6 =Morethan6 =Don’tknow
5.Dothevendingmachineshavelowfat,low-sugarsnackssuchasfruit,granolabars,water,and100%juices?
=Yes =No =Sortof,explain =Don’tknow
6.Doesyourschoolsellcandy,cakes,cookies,andothersweetsatbakesalesorfundraisers?
=Allthetime =Never =Sometimes,explain =Don’tknow
7.Howoftendostudentshavephysicaleducation? =Everyday =Everyotherday=2timesaweek =Never =Other
8.Canstudentsusesportequipment(balls,jumpropes,etc.)duringlunchandbreaksorafterschool?
=Allthetime =Sometimes,explain =Never
9.Doesyourschoolorganizegames(basketball,volleyball,etc.)duringbreaksorlunch?
=Allthetime =Sometimes,explain =Never
10.Canstudentsuseschoolsportfacilities(gym,track,weightroom,pool)beforeorafterschool?
=Allthetime =Sometimes,explain =Never
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InYourHome
1. Whatfoodscanyousnackonathome?(Checkallthatapply.)
=cookies =chips =granolabars =yogurt =fruit =veggies =bagels =other
2.Ifyoupackalunchforschool,whatfoodsdoyouhave?(Checkallthatapply.)
=sandwich =leftovers =cookies =chips
=granolabar=yogurt =veggies =fruit =other
3. Whatistheretodrinkinyourhouse?(Checkallthatapply.)
=water =soda =fruitdrink =1%milk =wholemilk =fat-freemilk =100%fruitjuice(e.g.,orange,apple,etc.) =other
4.Howmanytimesdoesyourfamilyeatoutduringtheweek?
=Everyday =4timesaweek =2timesaweek =Onceaweek =Rarely
5.Doyouhavesportsequipment(bike,balls,rollerblades,etc.)athome?
=Yes =No,Explain
6.Areyourparentsphysicallyactive?
=Allthetime =Sometimes,explain =Never
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Whichissuewouldyouliketoaddress?
Weknowthateatinghealthfullyandstayingphysicallyactiveareimportanttoourhealth.Youhavedescribedsomecharacteristicsofyourneighborhood,school,andhomethatmakeitdifficulttobehealthy.Nowit’stimetothinkaboutwhatyoucandotomakeiteasierforyoungpeopletoeathealthfullyandstayphysicallyactiveinyourcommunity.
Whichproblemismostimportanttotrytosolve?Chooseoneoftheseissuesorcomeupwithyourown.
=Restaurantsinmyneighborhooddonothaveenoughhealthfulmenuitems.
=Itisdifficulttofindhealthfulfood/snacksinmyneighborhood.
=Therearetoofewplannedsportsactivitiesinmycommunity.
=Myneighborhoodisnotasafeplacetobephysicallyactive.
=Myschoolservestoomuchprocessedandhigh-fatfood.
=Studentsdonothaveenoughopportunitiestogetphysicalactivityatschool.
=Thereisnotenoughfreshandhealthfulfoodatmyhome.
=Myfamilyeatstoomuchfastfood.
=Myfamilydoesnotgettherecommendedamountofphysicalactivity.
=Yourownissue
76 Empowering Youth With Nutrition and Physical Activity
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BrainstormingWorksheet NuTRITIONSAMPLE
StepstoBrainstorming:A.Comeupwithideas.B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions.C.Chooseonebasicideatoworkwith.D.Setgoalsandobjectives.
A.Comeupwithideas
Issue:It is difficult to find healthy snacks/food in my neighborhood.
Whatyoucoulddo:
1. Do a community food assessment to determine healthy food availability.
2. Plan a food fair. Invite local restaurants to provide healthy menu items.
3.Cook a healthy meal and invite parents and community guests.
B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions
Afteryoucompilealistofideas,it’stimetomakeachoice.Askthefollowingquestionstohelpyoumakeyourdecision.
Howmuchtimewillyouhavetocompleteyourproject?6 months
Whowillyourtargetaudiencebe?Youth
Whichprojectwillmakethemostdifferenceandhavethelongesteffect?
Whichprojecthasthebestchanceofsucceeding?
C.Chooseoneidea
Idea: Do a community food assessment to determine healthy food availability.
D.Setgoalsandobjectives:
1. Survey local stores and restaurants to determine healthy foods and menu items.
2. Develop a neighborhood meal/snack guide featuring places to purchase healthy foods.
3. Distribute guide to youth in the neighborhood to increase awareness of healthy foods available in the community.
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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BrainstormingWorksheetPHYSICALACTIVITYSAMPLE
StepstoBrainstorming:A.Comeupwithideas.B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions.C.Chooseonebasicideatoworkwith.D.Setgoalsandobjectives.
A.Comeupwithideas
Issue:Not enough opportunities for youth to be physically active.
Whatyoucoulddo:
1. Do a community walkability assessment.
2. Develop a neighborhood resource guide of places to be physically active.
3. Plan a community physical activity event.
B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions
Afteryoucompilealistofideas,it’stimetomakeachoice.Askthefollowingquestionstohelpyoumakeyourdecision.
Howmuchtimewillyouhavetocompleteyourproject?6 months
Whowillyourtargetaudiencebe?Youth
Whichprojectwillmakethemostdifferenceandhavethelongesteffect?
Whichprojecthasthebestchanceofsucceeding?
C.Chooseoneidea
Idea:Do a community walkability assessment.
D.Setgoalsandobjectives:
1.Survey neighborhood to determine if it’s a safe place to walk.
2.Develop a news release.
3.Meet with city and school officials to discuss results.
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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78 Empowering Youth With Nutrition and Physical Activity
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BrainstormingWorksheet
StepstoBrainstorming:A.Comeupwithideas.B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions.C.Chooseonebasicideatoworkwith.D.Setgoalsandobjectives.
A.Comeupwithideas
Issue:
What you could do:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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B.Narrowideasbyaskingquestions
Afteryoucompilealistofideas,it’stimetomakeachoice.Askthefollowingquestionstohelpyoumakeyourdecision.
Howmuchtimewillyouhavetocompleteyourproject?
Whodoyouwantyourtargetaudiencetobe?
Whichprojectwillmakethemostdifferenceandhavethelongesteffect?
Whichprojecthasthebestchanceofsucceeding?
C.Chooseoneidea
Idea:
D.Setgoalsandobjectives:
1.
2.
3.
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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80 Empowering Youth With Nutrition and Physical Activity
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TheActionPlan
Nowit’stimetoputallofyourideasintoanActionPlan.Thismeansyouneedtofigureoutwhathastobedone,whowillberesponsiblefordoingit,andwhenitshouldbecompleted.
Project:
Activity Who Does It By When
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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WhatResourcesAreAvailable?
Buildalistoforganizations,groups,andcompaniesthatyouwouldliketocontributetoyourproject.Youwillneedtocommunicatewiththesepeoplethroughlettersandphonecalls.
Project:
Name Phone
Organization
Address
Notes
Name Phone
Organization
Address
Notes
Name Phone
Organization
Address
Notes
Name Phone
Organization
Address
Notes
Name Phone
Organization
Address
Notes
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at’s
inY
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rV
end
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Mac
hin
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Dat
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PreparedCombinationFoods
Store Name: Name of Data Collector:
Item Cost Description
(e.g.,hotdogonabun,nachos,pizza, (Size,preparationmethod,etc.)bagelandcreamcheese,dimsum,etc.)
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WalkabilityChecklist
Everyonebenefitsfromwalking.Butwalkingneedstobesafeandeasy.Takeawalkwithyourchildandusethischecklisttodecideifyourneighborhoodisafriendlyplacetowalk.Ifyoufindproblems,therearewaysyoucanmakethingsbetter.
Getting started:Pickaplacetowalk,liketheroutetoschool,afriend’shouse,orjustsomewherefuntogo.Readoverthechecklistbeforeyougoand,asyouwalk,notethelocationsofthingsyouwouldliketochange.Attheendofyourwalk,circleanoverallratingforeachquestion.Thenaddupthenumberstoseehowyouratedyourwalk.
Ratingscale 1=awful 4=good2=manyproblems 5=verygood3=someproblems 6=excellent
1. Did you have enough room to walk safely?
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6
=Yes =Someproblems:(useratingscale)
__Sidewalksorpathsstartedandstopped
__Sidewalkswerebrokenorcracked
__Sidewalkswereblockedwithpoles,signs,dumpsters,etc.
__Nosidewalks,paths,orshoulders
__Toomuchtraffic
__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________
Locationsofproblems:________________________________________________________
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2. Was it easy to cross the streets?
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6
=Yes =Someproblems:(useratingscale)
__Roadwastoowide
__Trafficsignalsmadeuswaittoolongordidnotgiveusenoughtimetocross
__Neededstripedcrosswalksortrafficsignals
__Parkedcarsblockedourviewoftraffic
__Treesorplantsblockedourviewoftraffic
__Neededcurbrampsorrampsneededrepair
__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________
Locationsofproblems:________________________________________________________
3. Did drivers behave well?
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6
=Yes =Someproblems:(useratingscale)
Drivers…
__Backedoutofdrivewayswithoutlooking
__Didnotyieldtopeoplecrossingstreet
__Turnedintopeoplecrossingstreets
__Drovetoofast
__Speduptomakeitthroughtrafficlightsordrovethroughredlights
__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________
Locationsofproblems:________________________________________________________
4. Was it easy to follow safety rules?
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Couldyouandyourchild…
Yes No
= =Crossatcrosswalksorwhereyoucouldseeandbeseenbydrivers?
= =Stopandlookleft,right,andleftagainbeforecrossingstreets?
= =Walkonsidewalks,orshoulders(ifnosidewalks),facingtraffic?
= =Crosswiththelight?
Locationsofproblems:________________________________________________________
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5. Was your walk pleasant?
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6
=Yes =Someunpleasantthings:(useratingscale)
__Needsmoregrass,flowers,ortrees
__Scarydogs
__Suspiciousactivity
__Notwelllit
__Dirty,lotsoflitterortrash
__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________
Locationsofproblems:________________________________________________________
How does your neighborhood stack up?
Addupyourratingsanddecide.
1.______
2.______
3.______
4.______
5.______
()=total
How did your neighborhood rate?
26—30 Celebrate!Youhaveagreatneighborhoodforwalking.
21—25 Celebratealittle.Yourneighborhoodisprettygood.
16—20 Okay,butitneedswork.
11—15 Itneedslotsofwork.Youdeservebetterthanthat.
5—10 CallouttheNationalGuardbeforeyouwalk.It’sadisasterarea.
TakenfromNationalChildPassengerSafetyWeekActivities,NationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationWebsite,www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/ped/walk1.html.
5.9
ProjectReviewWorksheet
Take a minute to think about your work and answer these questions.
1.Whathaveyoudonesofar?Whatstepshaveyoutaken?
2.Whichstepsworked?Whichstepsdidn’twork?Whydidn’ttheywork andwhatdidyoudoaboutit?
3.Haveyoumadeanychangestoyourplan?
4.Whatnewskillsdidyoulearn?
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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MakingPhoneCalls
Making calls to potential donors, supporters, and volunteers is a way to get support for your project or event.
Whenyoumakeaphonecall,followthesetips:
1.Filloutacopyofthephoneguide.
2.Getpermissiontousethephone.
3.Havepaperandpencilhandyfornotetaking.
4.Whensomeoneontheotherendanswers,alwaysintroduceyourselfbygivingyourname,age,andtheprogramyoubelongwith.Speakclearlyandslowlyenoughtobeeasilyunderstood.
5.Ifthepersonyouarecallingisnotthere,askwhattimeheorsheisexpectedtoreturn.
6.Writedownthetimeandcallbackthen.
7. Ifyouneedtoleaveamessage,makesuretoleaveyourname,yourprogram,phonenumber,thebesttimetocallyouback,andashortmessageaboutwhyyouarecalling.Don’tbeafraidtocallbackasmanytimesasittakestogetaresponse!
8.Whileyouhaveyourcontactonthephone,getthecorrectspellingofhisorhername,title,mailingaddress,andphonenumber.
9.Alwayssaythankyoubeforesayinggood-bye.
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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PhoneGuide
FilloutthisPhoneGuidebeforeyoumakeyourcalls.
ContactInformation
Contactname: Contacttitle:
Contactorganization: Contacte-mail:
Contactphone: Contactfax:
Contactaddress:
Hello, may I please speak to [contact name] ?
My name is _______________________ and I am _________ years old and am
enrolled in the [programname]______________________________________.
I am calling to speak to you about…
Why you are calling. What you want to say or ask:
Notes: Write down what your contact tells you:
Thank you very much. Good bye.
YourInformation
Sometimesyourcontactwillaskformoreinformationaboutyou.Filloutthesectionbelowsothatyouhavetheinformationhandy.
Nameofyourprogram:
Programaddress:
Programphone: Programfax:
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game, CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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WorkingWiththeMedia
MakeamediacontactlistfornewspapersandradioandTVstationsFindthephonenumbersandaddressesinthephonebook.CallnewspapersandradioandTVstationstoaskwhichreporterscoverhealthandeducation.Putallthenames,phoneandfaxnumbers,andaddressesyoufindintoamediacontactlist.
WriteaLettertotheEditorNewspapersprintletterstotheeditor.Theselettersexpressopinionsaboutissuesthataffectthecommunity.Youcanfindtheeditor’snameandaddressontheeditorialpageofthenewspaper.
WriteaMediaAdvisoryAmediaadvisoryisalittledifferentfromapressrelease.Itisnotanarrativedescriptionofwhatyouaredoing.Instead,itisasnappyheads-upwithafewfactsandreasonswhythemediashouldbeinterestedinreportingyourprojectorattendingyourevent.Seethesampleonpage96.
WriteaPressReleaseApressreleaseisawrittendescriptionofanewsstoryorevent.Apressreleaseshouldbeshortandtothepoint—nomorethantwotypedpages.Yourpressreleaseshouldinclude:
WHATWHOWHENWHEREWHY
Makesurethatreportersknowthatthereleasewaswrittenbyyoungpeople.Theywillbemuchmoreinterestedinyoureventorproject.Faxormailacopyofyourpressreleasetoallofthereportersonyourmediacontactlist,thentelephonethemtomakesurethattheyhavereceivedit.
Itisagoodideatoincludeaquotefromsomeonewhosupportsyourproject.Thiscouldbefromoneofyouryouthsorfromsomeonewhoisimportantinyourcommunity—abusinessperson;civic,political,orreligiousleader;orotherinfluentialpersonwhosupportsorendorseswhatyouaredoing.
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BackgroundersandFactSheetsTheseareotherwaystopresentinformationtoyourmediacontacts,whichyoucanincludewithyourpressreleaseormediaadvisory.Theyallowyoutogointogreaterdetailaboutyourproject—history,factsandfigures,listsofsupporters,andotherinformationthatwouldhelpareporterwriteastory.Seepages98and99.
CreateaPublicServiceAnnouncementPublicServiceAnnouncements(PSAs)areannouncementsthatpublicizetheeventsandactivitiesofnonprofitorganizations.TVorradiostationsdonatethebroadcasttimesothattheannouncementcanbeplayedontheradioorviewedonTV.PSAsareusually10-60secondslong.
WhendevelopingyourPSA,alwaysremember:
Keepitshortandsimple
Identifythemainissueinthefirst10seconds
Emphasizethesolutionandtheproblem
Afteryougetmediacoverage,remembertogetacopyofthearticle,orarecordingoftheTVorradiostory.Ifyouareunabletorecordit,politelyaskyourmediacontactforone.Youmayhavetopurchaseit.
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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MediaPlanChecklist
MakeContact
Collectbasicinformationonwho’swhointhemediaincludinglocalradio,TV,daily,weeklyandmonthlynewspapers,andlocalandregionalmagazines.
Checkoutcontentandstyleofprograms,specializedcolumns.
Identifyethnicandspecializedpublicationsinthecommunity,ifapplicable.
KnowYourMedia
Gettoknowthereportersandeditors.
Knowwhocoverswhat“beat”—education,schools,food,health,nutrition,chefs,andrestaurants.
Calllocalnewsrooms.
Notewhohascoveredcommunityeventsinthepast.
ResearchOtherMediaSources
Askchefswhichwritersmayhavecoveredtheminthepastandiftheyhavetheirownpublicist.
Keepaclippingfileofstoriesfrompublicationsthathavearticlesonfood,health/nutrition,schools,education,chefs,communities,etc.
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UsetheNewsMediaYellowBook(availableatmostpubliclibraries)andotherlibraryresources.
Contactprintmediathatneedslongerleadtime—monthlymagazinesandpublications.
EstablishaRelationshipWiththeMedia
Designatespecificspokesperson(s)totalktothemedia.
Contactassignmenteditors.
Developyourpressreleaseandteaser.
PressRelease
Tellwho,what,where,when,how,andwhyasclearlyandconciselyaspossible.
Thinkofwhotheaudienceisandwhatwouldappealtothem.
Trytokeeptoonepage.
Becreativeandinnovative—makeitstandoutfromtheothers.
Includetitle,date,andlocation.
Includeacontactpersonandphonenumberforfurtherinformation.
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Teaser
Developacreativemediaattentiongetter.
MailPressReleaseandTeaser
Findoutwhoistherightpersontofax,mail,ore-mailpressreleases,backgroundinformation,and“teasers”to.Faxingisusuallythebestway.
Asktospeaktothatpersontoestablishapersonalcontactandtogettheminterestedintheupcomingactivity.
Ifcontactcannotbemadeonthetelephone,thenfaxormailanintroductoryletter.Setupapersonalmeeting,ifnecessary.
QuestionsfortheMedia
Name,mediaoutlet,phone/faxnumbers.
DeadlineforpublicationorbroadcastANDwhenthestorywillrun.
Encourageaphotographerorcameracrewtoaccompanythereporter.
Findoutiftheoutlethasaspecialangletocoverontheevent.
Faxinformationtothem.
AssembletheMediaKit
Includepressrelease,biographies/photosofchefs,andchefrecipes.
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Providereporterswithmediakitassoonaspossible.
Designateaphotographer.
ReachOut
Contactreporterstoremindthemoftheactivity2or3daysinadvance.
LastMinute
Telephonemediacontactstoremindthemoftheactivitythedaybefore.
Ifthemediacontactisunabletoattend,makesuretogetfollow-upmaterialsandphotostothem.
Besuretohaveallpressattendeessignin;givethemamapoftheactivity.
Captureaddresses,phonenumbers,andaffiliation.
Keeptrackofallmediaattendedandinterestedpartieswhowereunabletoattendtheeventandwhomaydoafollow-upstory.
Assignaguidetodirectmediatoactivities.
Followup
Collectallnewspaperarticleswritten;askmediaoutletsforcopiesoftheirstory.
Evaluatetheevent.Takenotesastowhatmightbedonenexttime.
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MediaContactList
Usethisworksheettolistnewspapersandtelevisionandradiostationsinyourcommunity.
Project:
Name
NewspaperorStation
Address
PhoneandFaxNumbers
Notes
Name
NewspaperorStation
Address
PhoneandFaxNumbers
Notes
Name
NewspaperorStation
Address
PhoneandFaxNumbers
Notes
Name
NewspaperorStation
Address
PhoneandFaxNumbers
Notes
AdaptedfromPlaying the Policy Game,CaliforniaProjectLEAN,PublicHealthInstitute
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SampleMediaAdvisory
For more information, contact:[Contact name and phone number]
MediaAdvisory
Who: [Yourprogramandotherparticipants]
What: CommunityWalk-a-Thon,anopportunityforallagestoexperiencehowwalkingcanbeafunandeasywaytogetdailyphysicalactivity.
When: [Date,timeofevent]
Where: [Locationofroute]
InterviewOpportunities: [Listschoolprincipal,teacher,organizationoragency
director,eventcoordinator,andalldistinguishedguestswhowillparticipate.]
PhotoOpportunities: [Listactivitiesthatwouldmakegoodpictures.] Someexamplesinclude:
Localcelebritiesparticipatingintheevent
Youngandoldpeopleparticipatingtogether
Exhibits
Supporters
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SamplePressRelease
For Immediate Release For more information, contact: [Date] [Contact name and phone number]
[Program youth] are taking strides to increase community participation in regular physical activity
Youthparticipatinginthe[programname]areorganizingawalk-a-thontotakeplaceon[date,time,location].Thegoaloftheeventistopromotewalkingasaneasyandfunwayfor[communityname]membersofallagestostayactive.Proceedsfromtheeventwillhelptosupport[describeprogramactivitieshere].
[Programname]studentandteacherswillbejoinedby[namedistinguishedguestsandsupporters].Peopleofallagesareencouragedtoparticipate.Theday’sactivitieswillinclude[briefdescriptionofrouteandspecialattractions].
Theday’sactivitieswillincludea3-milescenicwalkthroughthe[communityname].Uponcompletion,allparticipantswillreceive[listprizesandrefreshments]courtesyof[listsupporters].Informationonhealthyeatingandopportunitiestobephysicallyactivefor[communitymembers]willbeavailableatboothsstaffedby[localnutritionandphysicalactivityorganizations].
[Insertquotefromsupporter—sample]“[Walk-a-thonsupporter]hasastronginterestinsupportingactivitiesthatempoweryouthtomakeadifferenceinthelivesof[communityname]members.Wearepleasedtobeapartoftoday’seventandwillcontinuetoreinforceandsupportthecommunity’seffortstoincreaseparticipationinsafeandenjoyablephysicalactivity.”
[Insertquotefromprogramspokesperson—sample]“Somanychronicdiseasesinourcommunity(diabetes,highbloodpressure)canbepreventedthroughahealthfuldietthatdoesnotexceedanindividual’scaloricneedinconjunctionwithregularphysicalactivity.Werealizethatregularphysicalactivityisalsoanimportantpartofleadershipdevelopment.Wewantouryouthtoberolemodelsforthecommunitybyengaginginhealth-promotingactivities.Walkingisasafe,fun,andaffordableactivitythatcanbeenjoyedbyall.”
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SampleBackgrounder
[Yourprogram’sname]AddressCity,State,ZipPhone
Schoolprincipal,teacher,organizationoragencydirector:EventCoordinator:[Otherpertinentparticipants]
Programenrollment:
Agegroups:
Briefdescriptionofyourprogramanditscommitmenttonutritionandphysicalactivityissuesasrelatedtoyourevent.
Descriptionofthethemeandgoaloftheevent.
Listactivitiestotakeplace.
Givelocation,date,andtimeofevent.
Listeveryonewhowillparticipate.
OtherFacts:[Thisisagoodplacetolistotherinterestingfactsaboutyourprogram,includinganyprominentpeoplewhoaremembersorwhohavesupportedanyofyouractivities,otherspecialprogramsorpartnerships,etc.]
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SampleFactSheet
FactSheet[Programname]CommunityWalk-a-thon
In2002,696,947peoplediedofheartdisease(51percentofthemwomen),accountingfor29percentofallU.S.deaths.
20.8millionpeopleintheUnitedStateshavediabetes.
65percentofthepopulationisoverweightorobese.
Regularphysicalactivityhasbeenshowntoreducetheriskofcertainchronicdiseases,includinghighbloodpressure,stroke,coronaryarterydisease,type2diabetes,coloncancer,andosteoporosis.
OverhalfofU.S.adultsdonotengageinphysicalactivityatlevelsconsistentwithpublichealthrecommendations.
Lessthan50percentofAmericanchildrenengageinphysicalactivitythatpromoteslong-termhealthandcardiovascularbenefits.
[Schoolorprogramname]hasmadethepromotionofphysicalactivityanimportantpartofourprogram,throughrolemodelingandactivelyengagingyouthparticipantsinsharingthesemessageswiththeirfamiliesandcommunity.
Thegoalofourwalk-a-thonistoengageouryouththroughcreatingopportunitiesforphysicalactivitythatareenjoyable,meettheneedsofthecommunity,andinvolveandencourageparticipationoffriends,peers,parents,andcommunitymembers.
Thewalk-a-thonwillinclude[listactivities]
Thewalk-a-thonwilltakeplace[givelocation,date,andtime]
Participantsinclude[listotherparticipants]
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5.19
Recommended