Take Action! TimelinePlanning Phase
Solicit management support
Management support is a key component of Take Action!. Visible management support sends a message that your company values healthy lifestyles and encourages people to participate in the program. Ensure management support from the very beginning by providing information about the program's benefits and goals and by soliciting their participation and funding. See Soliciting Management Support for more information.
Communicate with management
Communicating with management about planning, progress, participation, and goals accomplished is an ongoing task. A system for regular communication keeps management up-to-date on the results and popularity of the program. It is also important to coordinate events so that management can help lead or participate.
Recruit Planning Committee members
Meet and communicate with the committee often. The major tasks in the first phase will be planning the kickoff event and promotional activities, planning the program activities, and securing incentives. Remember to set up subcommittees (i.e., recruitment, leadership/spirit, celebrations, events, rewards/incentives, or evaluation subcommittees) within this group to handle time-intensive tasks. See Planning Committee in the "Recruiting Staff Volunteers" section for more information.
Plan your kickoff event
This activity provides details about Take Action! to the employees and motivates them to participate. Be creative. See Kickoff Event in the "Activities" section for more information.
Recruit and train Team Captains
The Team Captains are essential to the success of the program and should be carefully selected and trained. See Team Captains in the "Recruiting Staff Volunteers" section for more information.
Encourage and support program participation
Make sure every person in your organization has a Team Captain and the opportunity to join a Team. Setting up Teams based on your company's organizational chart is one way to ensure everyone has a captain. This system also helps reinforce managerial support for the program.
Secure incentive items
Your company may have an incentive structure, or you may be able to solicit incentives from local businesses and vendors. Incentives do not have to be expensive, but they should reflect the culture of the organization and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Incentive ideas include distributing water or 100% juice, pedometers, t-shirts, or water bottles. These items are given to Teams and individuals for participating and attaining goals.
Promotion Phase
©2005 California State Department of Health Services