Vision: Reverse the obesity trend in greater Tucson

Mission: Activate the Tucson area to achieve healthier lifestyles through education, motivation, facilitation through long term collaboration with….. (business, government, schools, communities, neighborhoods, families, social service agencies, media)

Goals:
1. Involve key stakeholders throughout the greater Tucson area representing all facets of the community.
2. Become the clearinghouse of physical activity and nutritional information for the greater Tucson area.
3. Influence all public policy to have positive influence on physical activity and nutrition.
4. Promote and support both new and existing activities in greater Tucson that encourage people to achieve healthier and more active lifestyles.
5. Provider and promote information and education on healthier/more active lifestyles.
6. Develop and deliver informational and motivational messages through local media.
7. Create a plan for sustainability.

How to Activate Tucson

How BUSINESSES can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
o Specific strategy: Contact…
" Encourage employees to make healthy food choices
o Specific strategy: Provide information in the lunch room, nutrition classes during the lunch break, healthy food choices in vending machines
" Provide opportunities for employees to be more active
o Specific strategy: participate in America on The Move http://www.americaonthemove.org/
" Help spread the message of…
" Become a sponsor of Activate Tucson
How the FAITH COMMUNITY can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
" Contribute your program information to the Activate Tucson e-calendar
" Encourage your congregation to make healthy food choices
How NON-PROFITS can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
" Contribute program information to the Activate Tucson e-calendar
" Coordinate with other Team members in the development and delivery of programs
How SCHOOLS can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
" Implement school wellness policies that encourage students to be more physically active and to make healthy food choices
" Coordinate with organizations in Tucson to share physical activity facilities and resources
How GOVERNMENT can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
" Enact laws that support healthy lifestyles
" Work towards developing healthier community environments
How NEIGHBORHOODS can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team
" Sponsor neighborhood events that create safer neighborhoods for residents to be active
How the MEDIA can Activate Tucson
" Join the Activate Tucson Team

Y Healthy Lifestyles
Nationally and locally, YMCAs are the largest providers of health and wellness programs.

YMCA's have historically led the way in health and fitness, pioneering programs like the Y's Way to a Physical Fitness -the forerunner of the running craze.
YMCA also created many active sports games like basketball, volleyball and racquetball to engage young people and enhance their athletic and fitness abilities.
YMCA's encourage fun and participation.
Good fitness improves self-image and self-confidence and lowers the future risk of poor health.

The YMCA Salutes Mayor Walkup and the Tucson Challenge Learn more

Partners for Healthy Active Children/Compañeros Para Niños Sanos y Activos
Carol White Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant
YMCA's citywide, together with the UA Department of Nutrition Sciences and Sunnyside School District are teaching 8,500 children to eat more healthfully and stay active. Through this new program, schools will expand and enhance existing nutrition and physical education programs. More importantly, children will learn that physical fitness, good nutrition and activities contribute to life-long health.

$30,000 STEPS Grant to Enhance Southern Arizona's Health
The newest component of the Tucson YMCA's Healthy Lifestyle initiative will address health and fitness needs in Cochise and Santa Cruz counties and on the Tohono O'odham reservation. "STEPS to a Healthier Arizona" will identify health risks and needs, then develop a "train-the-trainer" model to implement strategies to combat asthma, diabetes and obesity. Empowering communities with knowledge, the initiative will create positive role modes and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. Watch for future updates as the grant activities progress!