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Resources for Community Organizations
Parent Teacher Groups (PTA and PTO)
Here are group resources that will help support the efforts of parent groups to improve the nutritional standards of school meals and increase the amount of daily physical activity.
Active Children, Active Families If you are involved with a PTA or PTO organization at your school, here are some great brochures that can be downloaded and printed for distribution to teachers to distribute to parents or send home with kids. They are written to address culturally different family groups.
Active Children, Active Families Basic Brochure
Active Children, Active Families Hispanic Parents and Caregivers Brochure
Active Children, Active Families Asian American Parents and Caregivers Brochure
Active Children, Active Families American and Alaskan Native Parents and Caregivers Brochure
Healthy Lifestyles - At Home and School Workbook You can order this notebook from the National PTA's Health and Wellness staff by e-mail. Click on the link to order through the PTA website.
Healthy Lifestyles - Healthy Fundraisers for PTA's Great ideas for hosting-fundraisers for your school.
Healthy Lifestyles - Improving Opportunities for Physical Activity at School: 10 Things PTA's Can Do A list of ten easily implementable things that can be done to increase the physical activities of school students.
Healthy Lifestyles - Improving School Nutrition: 10 Things PTA's Can Do A list of ideas that will get parents more actively involved in improving the nutrition of meals served at their childs' school.
Get together with other parents in your school's PTA or PTO group and start a "Walking School Bus" program. It's easy to do, and it helps parents to get in shape as well as the kids. Another idea that springs from this program is the "Bicycle Train". See if you can get one or the other started at your school and other schools in your community.
If other groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs or local faith-based organizations provide after-school programming give them this link that provides ideas for different activities.
Service Organizations
Nearly all communities have at least one service organization within their city limits. Besides providing a multitude of services to the community and social interaction for adults, many provide great programs for youth. These programs encompass physical fitness activities as well as scholarships, volunteer opportunities and other fundraisers. We've listed a few below for reference.
The Elks (The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the USA) is a service organization group found throughout the United States. This group supports physical activities for youth including "Hoop Shoot", "Soccer Shoot", Scouting and scholarships. Visit the website to find your nearest Elks organization.
Check the Junior League (The Association of Junior Leagues International), in your area for more information about their "Kids in the Kitchen" program. "Kids in the Kitchen" has its own website for kids (and parents) with lots of helpful nutrition information including recipes, health tips, worksheets and games. Their local chapters also sponsor events throughout the year including ones that focus on physical activities like "Kids in Motion" or "Get Fit" seminars.
Join the Kiwanis Club! This service organization has a variety of service projects in four main areas. In the Child Care and Development area you can become involved in field trips, "Play Day", or building new playgrounds. Better yet, start a 'KKids Club'! For more information on joining and participating in one of their projects, or starting a 'KKids Club' in your community, visit their website.
If your community does not already have one, start an Optimist Club. They host a program called "Optimists - Bringing Out The Best In Kids" and sponsor activities such as a Junior Golf Club.
Find your local YMCA. The YMCA clubs provide a variety of programs that provide youth with support in the areas of education, health, leadership and social relationships. Many have gyms with sports activities, and most branches provide excellent after-school programs.
Local Parks and Recreation Departments
Check your local area parks and recreation departments for family activities. Many of the departments offer year-round classes for all ages as well as organized sports leagues. Sports available are: baseball, softball, basketball, football, tennis, archery, swimming, horseback riding, hockey and hiking. Other activities may be offered as well including: aerobics classes, weight-training, dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling, wrestling, ice skating, bowling, etc.
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