| Educational training |
Training sessions included data on childhood obesity, background on the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative, and information about action planning strategies. Trainees also learned how to join the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative and how to gain access to resources, such as 12345 Fit-Tastic! messaging and educational materials. |
Some training sessions were delivered to coalitions or collaborative groups. Other training sessions were provided to an organization’s staff members or other individuals. Most were provided upon request of the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative partner or through a grant or other project. Training sessions were also available on a quarterly basis after an open and ongoing regional stakeholder meeting. |
Conduct educational meetings |
| Structured action plan |
The action plan elements (“MAPPS for Change”) were based on elements presented to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality’s initiative, Collaborate for a Healthy Weight: M —consistent use of message (12345 Fit-Tastic!); A — consistent assessment of weight status and lifestyle behaviors; P — customized healthy lifestyle plan for all; P —
policies and practices that enable healthy eating and active living; and S — statistics or story telling about message reach, assessment/plans completed, and policy/environmental changes made. |
All partners were provided information about the MAPPS for Change action plan when they signed up to join the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative. Training sessions and one-on-one support also included information about MAPPS for Change action planning. Partners could complete the MAPPS for Change action plan document through their partner account created on the initiative’s website. Paper copies of the MAPPS for Change action plan were provided at training sessions. All partners received 1) a reminder to complete their action plan when they logged into their partner account and 2) an annual email reminder to complete or update their plans. |
Develop a formal implementation blueprint and obtain formal commitments |
| Coalition support |
Supporting existing coalitions focused on healthy eating and/or active living was seen as a way to improve reach and impact of the intervention. This strategy was similar to a train-the-trainer approach, with a large amount of support being provided to the coalition leaders to infuse the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative framework throughout the coalition’s efforts. |
Community coalition support included training coalition members (ie, staff from multiple organizations) and one-on-one contact with coalition leaders, primarily provided to 3 large coalitions on an ongoing basis. This support allowed for the coalition and its partners to have access to additional support and resources from the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative. |
Promote network weaving and use train-the-trainer strategies. |
| One-on-one support |
One-on-one support consisted of meetings or telephone or email support with Healthy Lifestyles Initiative partners beyond initial contact and/or outside of training. Most one-on-one support focused on generating or reviewing the MAPPS for Change action plan elements and providing assistance or guidance on these plans specific to the partner organization. One-on-one support also included linking together partners with similar agendas. |
One-on-one support was offered to all partners when they joined the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative and was provided on request (in response to the initial contact or at a later date). This support sometimes occurred before an organization officially joining as a partner but more often occurred with established members to assist with the MAPPS for Change action plan, ideas for implementing action plan strategies, and partnerships. |
Facilitation, provide local technical assistance, and provide ongoing consultation. |
| Materials dissemination and resource sharing |
Materials dissemination and resource sharing most commonly included connecting Healthy Lifestyles Initiative partners with 12345 Fit-Tastic! educational and marketing materials. Also included were connection to other local and national resources (eg, resource guides, toolkits) and provision of data on childhood obesity or other information. |
The 12345 Fit-Tastic! educational and marketing materials were available to all partners via the initiative’s website. Other information and resources were shared as requested by partners. At least quarterly, Healthy Lifestyles Initiative partners would receive email newsletters highlighting resources, partner stories, or new 12345 Fit-Tastic! materials. |
Develop and distribute educational materials. |
