How can I start a community fitness movement?

[MariChelita]

I have a page on Facebook to encourage my community to get moving. It's called WascoWalks. I want to take it a step further and get more active with this movement. What are some things I can do to get more active. I've thought about holding challenges, doing raffles, awarding prizes, but I just dont know where to begin. I would like to have some kind of funds as well. Are there any government grants or private grants I can apply for to fund this? any kind of information or ideas to help me move this forward would GREATLY help!!

[Ray C]

Check with your local mayor, and inform him/her of your intention.
Request that the mayor support your idea.
You could also ask for a certain day to be declared WascoWalk day, and
the mayor and you could contact your local paper.
Or you could start with the paper first.
Try and contact any sport team(baseball/football/hockey/etc) to see if they can donate
any articles to be auctioned at your walk.
Of course if you do get the walk going, you will have to register
people and have them sign a release form that says you are not responsible for any accidents and
people are participating knowing there may be risks involved.(weather/cars/cracks in sidewalk/etc.)
Everyone gets a ticket and raffles are at the end.
I never heard of any government grants for such an endeavor, but enter a walk yourself, and get people to support you for each mile walked, or
you could raise money by having a bake sale, or rummage sale, or ask the mayor if the city can donate.
Depending on your city you may also need to get a permit. Hope this helps a little.
Good Luck