Fat 2 Fit: Checklist for Community Weight Loss Event

Adapted from "The Fat to Fit Meltdown Manual" (Hound Press, 2008)

By: Carole Carson | Source: AARP.org

The following action items can help you assign tasks, schedule timelines, establish deadlines and monitor progress on a variety of fronts. Although the list suggests sequential actions, many of the tasks will overlap each other.

Before the First Session

• Select a person to lead the event.
• Pick a name for the event.
• Issue a public challenge.
• Recruit a core team of volunteers to produce the event.
• Create a vision for the event, establish goals and determine measurements for success.
• Determine start date, length of program and weekly schedule, including meeting time.
• Develop a budget and secure funding.
• Begin a promotional campaign including flyers and posters and seek endorsements.
• Create a Web site where information can be updated and distributed.
• Reserve a venue and make arrangements for parking.
• Solicit prizes and awards.
• Interview, select and schedule presentations.
• Plan an opening event and a celebration closing event.

During the Sessions

• Establish a reporting system.
• Manage media contacts.
• Establish a communication network for volunteers.
• Videotape sessions for release to media.
• Update the Web site.
• Arrange for interviews with participants at the request of media.
• Plan programs including feedback, participants’ experiences and opportunities to add new members.

After the Last Session

• Acknowledge and thank participants and volunteers.
• Distribute evaluations.
• Critique and celebrate results.
• Write articles for local media related to fitness as part of the follow-up.
• Encourage continuing participation in fitness programs.
• Update the Web site and keep it fresh and new.
• Organize future fitness events.

For a complete list of tasks along with sample forms, job descriptions and detailed procedures, consult "The Fat to Fit Meltdown Manual" (Hound Press, 2008).