Choose at least 3 local or state or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them:
It originated through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta launched Strong4Life, a wellness movement designed to ignite societal change and reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity and its associated diseases in Georgia. Based on our clinical behavior change model for treating overweight and obese children, Strong4Life aims to help families achieve sustainable lifestyle change by breaking down the complex issue of childhood obesity into simple steps.
I chose this organization because I am passionate about reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. This organization allows people from all over Georgia to come together and advocate for our children.
You can read more about this organization at
http://www.strong4life.com/pages/about/ArticleDetails.aspx?articleid=DefiningWhatItMeans§ionid=overview
Live Healthy Columbus is a coalition of more than 30 organizations and individuals working together to help the people of Columbus, Georgia to live healthier lives.
Mission : Empower citizens and organizations to improve their quality of life through healthy living activities.
Vision: A better community through healthy living
https://sites.google.com/site/livehealthycolumbusga/home/who-we-are
I chose this organization because I am currently part of Live Healthy Columbus. We meet once a month to discuss activities that we can do throughout the year and how we can educate the public. It is a wonderful organization and I have seen us make a difference in our children’s lives.
I chose WIC because I feel that this program educated mothers as well as children on healthy choices and it also helps support the proper growth of our young children.
The job that interest me is School Nutrition Director. In order to become a director you need to have a masters in education. At the current moment there are no jobs opened, but I am constantly looking for one. The skills that I would need to have is experience in school nutrition, as well as, working with children and adults on a daily basis.
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteYou are part of a very necessary movement in this country and because our First Lady is such a proponent on health and fitness for families, you have a plethora of information at your disposal.
I love that you are making a difference in your city. I am confident that when the School Nutrition Director job opens up, you will be at the top of the short list of potential candidates. Good luck in your journey!
Kim
Hi Karen, as I read through everyone's blogs this week I am astounded at the supportive networks, opportunities, and possiblities available in the United States of America. As an English speaker I did not have high expectations of finding job opportunities in Qatar other than the teaching role I already fulfill or similar roles. However, I have a dream to return to Namibia armed with all my knowledge to make an informed difference in the lives of my people. However, on researching for information in my country I was saddened at the lack of support and opportunities, and how outdated a lot of information was. It just made me think once again of the following quote:
ReplyDelete"Knowledge is power." Francis Bacon
When we have knowledge we can help to make a difference. All the information you found connect to your passion for healthy nutrition. I agree with what Kim said, I think you will make an incredible School Nutrition Director and will hold thumbs that the ideal opportunity will come your way.
Jody
Karen,
ReplyDeleteWhat great local support groups. I am familiar with the nutrition program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC), but I have not found anything similar to the other local efforts to reduce obesity. When we had an infant program at our center we were often very frustrated with WIC when then would change formulas that they provided. It seemed to be a very political decision and not one based on what was good for infants.
Karen- I share your interest in the WIC program. Having participated in it as a young mother I have seen the benefits that it can bring into the lives of children. But I have also seen the tendency to push aside the nutritional information and just go to collect the food checks. I would be especially interested in working with the clients and make the information piece of the program just as interesting as the food checks. Getting to know each client and learning where their strengths and weakness lie could help me tailor the program to meet their needs. For example, as an ECE professional I didn't need a whole lot of information on child nutrition and development but I really enjoyed the insights on how to incorporate the foods that WIC supplies into healthy and yummy meals for the whole family.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteYou have listed some great local groups. The one that I am most familiar with is the WIC program. I had the opportunity to participate in the WIC program and was very grateful for the nutritional information as well as the food checks. They came in handy when purchasing infant formula because one can ran about $14.00. I have enjoyed reading your post and how your connections with each organization.