One Metropolitan Area's Successful World Walks
[This story about how Groups in one area have created a successful series of World Walks is full of useful ideas to try. We've bolded some of the most ingenious suggestions. This World Walk should be very inspirational to anyone just starting out, since in their first year eight people participated, while last year there were around 200!]
In the Kansas City metropolitan area, the fifteen local Groups get together and have their walk in a central location, Loose Park in Kansas City, Missouri. This year (1998) they have chosen to walk on August 8th. Planning has begun, coordinating the efforts of our local Groups and some local ILCA people, too.
The World Walk has been held at Loose Park the last four or five years. They reserve the Rose Garden Pavilion from 8:00 a.m. to noon. A Group representative usually reads the Governor's proclamation before starting to walk. Participants walk from about 9 or 9:30 a.m. to about 10:30 a.m. Groups collect door prizes from various companies, such as Discovery Toys, MaryKay Cosmetics, Avon, a bottled water company, the one diaper service in town and other baby-related places. In the past, they've received almost enough donations for every family to take "something" home. They also get food donations from places like Bagel & Bagel, LaMar's Donuts (of Jay Leno fame), Price Chopper and other local food places. These treats are available after everyone walks and the door prize winners are announced.
Last year, about 200 people participated, including walkers and families. It was a comfortable crowd for the space. The walk received coverage on the front page of the KC Star Metro section. Publicity varies from year to year depending on who volunteers to do it and how energetic they are. There has been some television coverage in the past, too.
One of our members or Leaders goes out early and writes breastfeeding facts on the sidewalk that goes around the park [in chalk]. That's been really effective in the past. (There is a man who frequently writes original poetry on these sidewalks, and many people go to this park just to see what he'll write next, which means that after the World Walk, they will find breastfeeding information!)
The success of the Kansas City area World Walks depends on many people. Different people have worked on this over the years, bringing diverse skills and contributions. Once you've done it, it's not hard to repeat success!
Contributed by Mary Honas and the Leaders and members of La Leche League of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, USA
