World Walk Planner's Checklist
[This list is from 1998, so details of due dates may vary; refer to your World Walk kit for this year's information. The general guidelines are still very useful, however!]
Before or as soon as you get your Walk kit:
- Register and get the World Walk for Breastfeeding Kit.
- Determine whether you want to hold a Walk with just your Group or join with other Groups to hold a larger Walk.
- Decide on type of event you want to hold.
- Choose a date. World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7 and this is an ideal time to hold your Walk. You may hold it six weeks earlier or later. Put a sticker on your calendar marking October 1, the day your follow-up paperwork is due. Locate the name of your Area Walk Coordinator on the list enclosed in the kit and record it in a handy place.
- Divide tasks into "mother-sized" pieces among Group members or other volunteers.
- Investigate appropriate sites--ask about site insurance requirements, costs of site, parking, shelter or raindate in case of bad weather, walk and map the proposed route to inspect for barriers and safety.
- Reserve site, send for insurance certificate, if needed, at least two weeks before event. Obtain parade permit if necessary.
As soon as the details are settled:
- Announce Walk date to members. Provide them with sponsor brochures and prize list.
- Show sample t-shirt, take orders. Decide how many additional posters, balloons, sponsor brochures, buttons and postcards you will need. Order as soon as possible. Phoning may speed your order and you can confirm availability of items. Dial direct (847) 519-9585.
- Approach corporate sponsors with a package of material, including the annual report which tells about LLLI and your Group's work. Contact health care providers and encourage them to support the event. Corporate sponsors may provide t-shirts, cover the cost of your Walk, provide a prize for your Walkers or make a monetary donation. Approach appropriate governmental bodies and ask for a proclamation and participation. Your Area Walk Coordinator has a sample proclamation.
As the Walk gets closer:
- Six weeks to one month before Walk hold an update meeting to be sure each worker is able to cover her job. Applaud and encourage your Walk workers. Offer help when needed. Set up a contingency plan in case a key worker should have an emergency.
- Continue to talk to the Group about recruiting sponsors and additional Walkers. Emphasize the many ways breastfeeding benefits our world and encourage them to share that information and LLL resources with those they approach for donations.
Approximately two to three weeks before Walk:
- personalize press release from the Walk kit with details of your Walk. Submit all press releases to media. Have a publicity person who has been approved by your DA call media contacts and talk to them about your Walk and what it means for the community. If you get a request for an interview from the media and you are not comfortable handling it, please call your Area Staff or LLLI PR department for help or feel free to refer the media to these people.
- Distribute ordered material as soon as it arrives. Reorder as soon as possible if more supplies are needed.
During Walk Week:
- One week before Walk, check with each worker and the site to be sure everything is in place and there are no mix-ups. Be sure someone will be taking pictures. If you order Walk balloons from LLLI or purchase balloons locally, remember to assign someone to have the balloons inflated with air or helium. Tip--for best results helium balloons should be inflated just before the Walk at a store, or at the site with a purchased or rented tank. The helium is an item you can easily get donated. Assemble a simple first aid kit with bandages and wipes for scraped knees and elbows. Consider having someone bring a cellular phone for emergencies. Make sure drinking water is available. Set a date for a Walk follow-up meeting or "paperwork party."
- Walk Day--be the first to arrive, set up whatever is necessary. Greet Walkers and the media. Collect and initial pledge sheets from Walkers. Keep one copy, return the other copy to the Walker. Be sure your PR person is available to act as a guide for the media and answer questions. Wear your best smiles and, most important of all--have a wonderful time!
After the Walk:
- Give yourself a big congratulations for a job well done!
- If the media is not aware of the results of the Walk, send in a press release reporting on the results of the Walk. Another technique to get coverage is to send in a letter to the editor thanking your sponsors. Corporate sponsors in particular appreciate this. Include how much money was raised by how many people and how the money will be used.
- Write thank-you notes to workers and corporate sponsors.
- Continue to collect pledges. Make reminder calls as necessary.
- As soon as all pledges are collected, fill out Group Accounting Form, being sure to note anyone who should receive a prize as well as the names of corporate sponsors donating over $300. Your Area Walk Coordinator should receive this form and your check no later than October 1. Do not send any money directly to LLLI.
- Fill out the Group Evaluation Form and mail it to the Walk Committee at LLLI. Please include copies of press clippings and photos for use in LLLI publications and our scrapbook. Each and every form or clipping is read and appreciated!
- If several people are completing paperwork tasks, please call and remind them to mail their forms or checks.
- Prize winners will be announced as soon after November 1 as possible.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:35:36 UTC 2007.
