Change the Future
How You Can Help
You should become involved in Change the Future WV if you care about your community and want to ensure that all people – young, old, rich, poor – have a community that helps them to be healthy rather than an community that makes it difficult to eat well and stay active. Furthermore, you should become involved if you believe that everyone deserves to live in a community that supports rather than hinders their health. We need to involve everyone in the community for the project to be successful in bringing about meaningful change.
Join The Coalition Individuals play an important role within their community by participating in local coalitions. Within each of the six counties, a Coalition will be formed and charged with being the eyes and ears of the community it serves. Coalitions are most effective when a diverse group of individuals is included—members of diverse ages, gender, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, etc., that are representative of the community. We are continually looking for new Coalition members, so if you are interested please feel free to contact a Coordinator in your county. They are listed under the "Contacts" tab.
Help to Change Policy We know that when communities focus on active community designs,pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods, and encouraging retailers to stock and promote nutritious foods, they provide important economic development benefits for communities and residents. However, this vision requires a demand from you.
If you are a parent — advocate for daily physical education in schools, healthy options at local sports events, fresh fruit and vegetables at lunch and snacks, safe routes to school.
If you are a business owner — you can create a breast feeding friendly worksite environment, provide fresh fruits and vegetables in vending machines and cafeterias.
If you are a school teacher — support more physical activity, advocate for healthy options at all school events, support movement-based learning in your school systems.
If you are a student — choose only healthy fund raisers, support safe routes to school, advocate for more fresh vegetables and fruits on your school menu, join a school-based gardening activity, talk to your parents about changes.
If you are a faith based leader — sponsor healthier pot luck dinners, incorporate physical activity into program and events, encourage members to get involved in community policy issues.
If you are a homemaker — ask the store where you shop to carry local produce, frequent your local parks and trails.
No matter who you are you can help to improve the nutrition and physical activity policies in your communities.
Participate in a Change the Future WV Event
Find contact information for your County Coordinator.
