1. how to choose and plan a successful youth project 5 · helping youth to plan, implement, and...

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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62 Empowering Youth With Nutrition and Physical Activity

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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.


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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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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?



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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?


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?


10.Canstudentsuseschoolsportfacilities(gym,track,weightroom,pool)beforeorafterschool?



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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?


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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


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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


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.



Howmuchtimewillyouhavetocompleteyourproject?6 months

Whowillyourtargetaudiencebe?Youth



C.Chooseoneidea

Idea:Do a community walkability assessment.


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.


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BrainstormingWorksheet


A.Comeupwithideas

Issue:

What you could do:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.


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Howmuchtimewillyouhavetocompleteyourproject?

Whodoyouwantyourtargetaudiencetobe?



C.Chooseoneidea

Idea:


1.

2.

3.


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TheActionPlan

Nowit’stimetoputallofyourideasintoanActionPlan.Thismeansyouneedtofigureoutwhathastobedone,whowillberesponsiblefordoingit,andwhenitshouldbecompleted.

Project:

Activity Who Does It By When



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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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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


__Roadwastoowide

__Trafficsignalsmadeuswaittoolongordidnotgiveusenoughtimetocross

__Neededstripedcrosswalksortrafficsignals

__Parkedcarsblockedourviewoftraffic

__Treesorplantsblockedourviewoftraffic

__Neededcurbrampsorrampsneededrepair

__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________


3. Did drivers behave well?

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 6


Drivers…

__Backedoutofdrivewayswithoutlooking

__Didnotyieldtopeoplecrossingstreet

__Turnedintopeoplecrossingstreets

__Drovetoofast

__Speduptomakeitthroughtrafficlightsordrovethroughredlights

__Somethingelse?__________________________________________________


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?


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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?__________________________________________________


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.

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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?



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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.



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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.


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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



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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

1. how to choose and plan a successful youth project 5 · helping youth to plan, implement, and...

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