Getting Started

There are some excellent existing materials out there – take a look at the sources of information and organizations listed in Support in Your Community for inspiration. Become familiar with what these organizations offer and incorporate the existing materials into your campaign. These are great starting points and are useful as themes to include in any of the activities you choose to do.

Find out what’s already at your school

If your school has a health action team or student council, get them on board! You can get started very quickly when there’s already a motivated group of people ready to help.

Consult with experts

When planning activities, it’s important to make sure that best practices around public education and healthy eating are covered. Refer to the section called Support in Your Community for more information on who to contact in your community.

You don’t have to be the expert

Your local Public Health Units and other community members have expertise and resources to help you take your activity to a higher level.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

You might get a lot of questions from your peers. Remember, it’s always okay to say, “I don’t know” and to refer them to an adult or expert in the community for more information.

Customize activities for your school

The ideas in this guide are suggestions and idea starters. Your team can discuss whether a proposed idea works for your school and community and change it as needed.

Get creative

If you have a completely new idea for an activity and want to try it out, we’ve included a blank template at the end of the guide for your planning. Be sure to share it with us after the event or activity and let us know how it went! You can connect with us by email (healthyschools@ophea.net), via Twitter (@OpheaCanada), and on Facebook (OpheaCanada). Be sure to connect with a school mental health professional or leader to run it by them.

Work with or build on existing events

Find out what’s already going on at your school (teachers can help with this) and build from there! Events such as picnics or bake sales, or curriculum revolving around healthy eating provide a good tie-in for communicating your message about healthy eating. This way, you’re building momentum and spreading the word even farther!

Include a call to action

Activities are more powerful if they include a call to action or a link to where participants and spectators can find more information if they’re interested. Have materials on hand during in-person events or include links on your posters or other materials so that people know where to look if they want to learn more, or if they want to join your team.

Remove barriers

Make it easy for people to participate. Don’t require expensive equipment or travel to participate in the activities you plan.

While you’re planning your activities, ask yourself if there are others that might have difficulty participating and how can you make it easier for them to be involved or feel welcomed.

Go outside!

Think about hosting activities in different parts of the school – in the gym, in the hallway, outside (yes, even in February). Be safe but get creative about where you host the activities and you’ll keep people interested.

Vet the message

Make sure the information or messages you’re sharing in the school are correct. Work with an adult to research and decide what message is the best fit for your activity.

Spread the word.

Get on social media to let others know about the awesome work you are doing. Invite other communities and schools to join you as you get active.