S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 7

help us Turn September

SM

into Steptember

Planning Guide

National Sponsors
 help us Turn September
into Steptember
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Steptember - September 2007

Table of Contents

What Is the Steptember? 2

What Is America On the Move? 3

Strategic Partners 3

Proud Sponsors 4

Event Planning 5

Promoting Your Event 7

Event Activity Ideas 9

Appendix 10

Proclamation 10

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 help us Turn September
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What Is Steptember?
Steptember is America On the Move’s national month-long celebration highlighting how easy it is to be active
and eat healthfully. During the month, everyone is encouraged to experience America On the Move’s small
change approach that prevents weight gain and enhances health:

H Add an extra 2000 steps (or activity equivalent) to your day

H Choose one smart way to eat 100 fewer calories each day.

Individuals, families, worksites, schools, and communities can help turn September into Steptember by joining
the fun at www.americaonthemove.org. Throughout the month of September, the Steptember Challenge will
empower millions of Americans to experience the simplicity, power and success of making small changes to
live healthier.

A fun, interactive website will help everyone who joins the Challenge to take a small change action each day and
give them the opportunity to win great prizes. Steptember will also introduce participants to AOM’s free online
resources that have helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve positive, lasting results.

There will be thousands of local events taking place across the country including many happening at local
YMCAs. Participants will be able to find local AOM events using our online event finder later in the summer.

Steptember builds public awareness for ongoing America On the Move programs available to individuals and
groups throughout the year at local YMCAs, worksites, schools, and www.americaonthemove.org.

AOM needs your help and encourages you to plan activities at home, at work, and in your broader
community. We hope this guide will help you as you plan ahead to a successful Steptember!

When?
September 2007 is the official month for Steptember that will be recognized in all national and local
media promotions.

Why?
The physical activity and eating habits of most Americans are cause for concern. The prevalence of
overweight/obesity has increased dramatically across the nation and is now an epidemic. The effects on our
children, families, and communities are far reaching — but they can be prevented and they are reversible.

The goal of Steptember is to allow everyone to experience how small changes can add up to a healthier lifestyle
and healthy weight for life. By participating in this year’s campaign, you’ll not only be taking steps to a healthier
way of life, but you’ll also get the chance to win fun prizes.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p2

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What Is America On the Move?

AOM is a national non-profit initiative with the aim of improving quality of life — for individuals, families,
communities, and society. AOM engages people of all ages in programs that emphasize energy balance — a
balance between the amount of calories eaten and the amount of calories burned through physical activity.

AOM research shows that achieving energy balance is an effective approach to healthy weight management.
Adding just 2000 extra steps and eating 100 fewer calories each day are enough to help most Americans prevent
the current average annual weight gain of 1-2 pounds. Small, consistent changes to daily physical activity and
eating patterns can add up over time to big rewards — experienced in a better level of health and quality of life.

AOM believes success in curbing the overweight/obesity epidemic requires a commitment of shared
responsibility. So AOM programs also inspire participants to be advocates — taking action in their communities
to promote environments that foster and sustain a healthy weight.

Strategic Partner
America On the Move, with the help of organizations across the nation, will be encouraging millions of people
to help us turn September into Steptember by visiting www.americaonthemove.org and attending local events.
AOM is particularly proud of its partnership with the YMCA of the USA. AOM and YMCAs will be joining forces
for America On the Move Week at the YMCA, September 22-29. During this week, hundreds of YMCAs will host
a variety of activities and events that will inspire individuals and families to incorporate healthier living activities
into their daily routines through “small steps.” You will be able to find these local events using our event finder
later in the summer.

YMCA Activate America

YMCA Activate America is the YMCA’s bold approach to directly address
our nation’s growing health crisis. It has two primary strategies:

H To support healthy lifestyles by reaching out and engaging all those who seek well being in spirit, mind
and body and providing these children, youth and adults with an experience characterized by supportive
relationships, environments; and a variety of programs, activities, clubs and events that support the pursuit
of a healthy lifestyle
H To be actively involved in efforts to create and sustain healthier communities and connecting our network
and resources to influence decisions that impact health.

America On the Move Week with the YMCA is part of this healthier communities effort with the goal of raising
awareness about the YMCA’s role as a leading community resource for health and well-being, as well as spread
AOM’s messages among millions of Americans and give them the opportunity to experience the simplicity of
the small steps approach.

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National Presenting Sponsor

The Smart Spot™ program from PepsiCo is the proud National
Presenting Sponsor of AOM.

The Smart Spot Program

PepsiCo is committed to playing a responsible and constructive
role in health and wellness. The company recognizes its
responsibility to encourage people to adopt healthier, active
lifestyles -- beginning with its products. In 2004, PepsiCo
launched the Smart Spot™ symbol -- the symbol of smart
choices made easy. This symbol is a simple labeling system
that makes it easier for consumers to identify PepsiCo
products that contribute to a healthier lifestyle and
explains why each product is a better choice.

Products that feature the Smart Spot symbol meet established nutrition criteria based on authoritative
statements from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Academy of Sciences or provide other
functional benefits. The Smart Spot symbol appears on nearly 300 PepsiCo products including Tropicana Pure
Premium® orange juice, Aquafina® water, Gatorade® Thirst Quencher, Baked!® Lay's® snacks, Quaker®
Oatmeal and Diet Pepsi® soft drinks, among many others. For more information visit www.smartspot.com.

National Sponsors
We would like to thank our national sponsors the Almond Board of California and LEAN CUISINE® for their
commitment to AOM’s mission and this year’s Steptember campaign.

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 help us Turn September
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You Can Help

We need you to help promote Steptember to your friends, family, and colleagues. We hope you will spread the
word by placing the Steptember icon on your web site with an invitation to participate. A complete promotional
kit with the icon and a full array of promotional materials will be available for you to download from the AOM
website by mid-August. The ideas in this kit will help you get ready to bring Steptember to life at your location
in September.

Have Fun!
Event Planning
You can help turn September into Steptember. Whether you’re coordinating your own Steptember efforts for
a large corporation, small business, nonprofit organization, membership facility, or faith-based group, this guide
will help. The following steps will get you started.

1. ORGANIZE A PLANNING COMMITTEE.

Try to represent all groups. Focus committee discussions on answering these questions:

H Who is the target audience you’re hoping to reach for participants?

H How will you promote event activities and engage people in the day?
H What activities will you choose to support the purpose of the event and what space, resources, or approvals
do you need?
H Where is the best event location (with easy access) to attract the largest participant audience possible?
H When is the best time to hold the event to assure maximum participation?
H How many people will be needed to help coordinate event activities?
H Who will be the key person responsible for coordinating the promotion and event activities?

2. DESIGN YOUR EVENT.

Review Event Activity Ideas in this guide with your committee; decide which ideas will work with your group
and brainstorm additional ways to shape your Steptember plans.

3. OUTLINE YOUR PROMOTION PLAN.

Promote your Steptember activities (next section) by including fun, effective strategies. Select those that
will work best in your setting and assign 2 or more committee members the task of creating even more
promotion ideas.

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4. REMEMBER: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Boost participation potential by choosing a convenient location that will accommodate a 2000 step (1 mile)
walk near your target audience.

5. SPREAD THE WORD.

Recruit as many groups as possible to promote the day. Whether you’re involving a whole community or a
worksite, create a list of those who can help spread the word.

6. SELECT A COMMUNICATION CHAMPION.

The mayor, your CEO, or a local celebrity can lend notoriety and extend your reach. Ask them to personally
invite constituents/fans to join AOM and help their community contribute to a healthier, more vital America.
Consider asking your champion to sign the Steptember Proclamation (see the appendix).

7. STICK TO THE PLAN.

Define roles and stay on schedule. Develop a timeline and to-do list. Assign committee member tasks and
review milestones along the way. Make sure you obtain all supplies, secure approval for your location, and
recruit enough volunteers to help coordinate your event.

8. REWARD PARTICIPATION.
Though AOM will offer incentives to those that join the AOM movement during September, you can create
interest by planning to offer prizes at your own local event. Consider organizing a drawing for everyone who
takes part.

9. WALK THE TALK.

Have each member of your planning committee join the AOM movement on September 1 — when the
Steptember website officially launches. This will help committee members understand the process and what
information is available as they implement promotions throughout the month.

10. REPORT YOUR SUCCESS.

After you have held your event, log back in at www.americaonthemove.org and provide feedback on the
number of participants in your group’s event.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p6

©Copyright 2007, America on the Move Foundation

 help us Turn September
into Steptember
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Promoting Your Steptember Activities

How you implement your Steptember activities is up to you — there’s no single right way to inspire your
population to move more and eat smart. Steptember is a fun way for everyone to experience the ease of
making these small, positive changes. The following checklist offers ideas for a successful campaign.

1. DOWNLOAD PROMOTIONAL TOOLS.

By early August, a tool kit with a wide variety of promotional materials will be available for you to download
and tailor with your event details. The Tool Kit includes:

H Steptember icon (with copy and instructions)

H Color poster
H Desk drop flier
H Tip Sheet — 100 Ways to Get 2000 Extra Steps
H Tip Sheet — 100 Ways to Eat 100 Fewer Calories
H Tip Sheet — Supportive Environments to Creating an Environment for Success
H Proclamation
H Activity conversion chart
H Event sign-in registration card.

2. USE MAPS.
Create maps that show local walking routes, plus the average number of steps each will take from start
to finish. Examples: from your site to a local coffee shop and back, from one facility entrance to another,
paths in a local park, or the parking lot perimeter. Post the maps in a central location or distribute them to
all participants.

3. WALK AND TALK.

Promote walking meetings at your location throughout the month. Have a member of the meeting wear a
step counter or use premarked routes that equal 2000 steps, charted in or outside your location. Give each
meeting member an AOM flier or postcard with more details about Steptember.

4. HAND OUT DETAILS.

Throughout September, pass out fliers at high traffic areas in your building… entryways, break rooms, or
lunch spots… to inspire individuals to help us turn September into Steptember by joining AOM. Encourage
them to invite friends and family members to join the fun and answer the call to action in September.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p7

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5. CONDUCT HEALTH SEMINARS.

Hold free health seminars throughout the month. Ask local experts — physicians, nutritionists, personal
trainers — to speak at the sessions. Give Steptember fliers to each attendant. Share details about what’s
happening at your location and how people can join in.

6. USE PASSIVE PROMOTIONS.

Place Steptember posters on the walls throughout your building. Use the Steptember postcard or flier as
a desk drop mailer to each member of your group.

7. ADD TO YOUR CORRESPONDENCE.

Take advantage of existing mailings — insert an Steptember flier with paychecks, attach a PDF of the flier to
emails, or include the information within newsletters or other existing communication tools.

8. REWARD THOSE WHO SPREAD THE WORD.

Offer a prize (like a restaurant gift certificate or discount on walking shoes) to the department, team, or
group who encourages the most people to join AOM. Members can show a designated team leader their
Steptember thank you as verification.

9. EXTEND PERSONAL INVITATIONS.

These are the best way to engage participants. Ask everyone involved to personally extend a call to action
for joining AOM during September. Greet members of your group with a flier or poster on an easel as they
attend meetings or services at your location.

10. WELCOME ON THE WEB.

Place the Steptember icon on your organization’s home page. Use the brief copy provided with the
icon to explain the call to action. Clicking on “learn more” under the icon will bring participants directly
to the Steptember event page. They will be able to join the fun, find local events, and get great offers and
incentives from our sponsors. For every participant who joins the campaign during September, our sponsors
will make a donation to the AOM Kids Fund, which supports AOM research and programs that combat
childhood obesity.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p8

©Copyright 2007, America on the Move Foundation

 help us Turn September
into Steptember
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Event Activity Ideas

Although all types of movement help build an active lifestyle and burn calories, the simplest activity for an
event centerpiece is a 2000-step walk (about 1 mile). Any activities that help participants make small changes
to their daily lifestyle at your event are a great idea. Starting the event with a speaker is a good way to clarify
the purpose of the day — you can have a local community leader read the proclamation.

Remember to have all participants fill in an event registration card and drop it in a large box. You can conclude
your event with a prize drawing. Here are some additional ideas to add more dimension to your event:

l Music to Move By. Ask a local group to play upbeat music for your walk or use a speaker system to provide
the tunes.

l Dance Demos. Invite local dance groups (from different ethnic backgrounds) to demonstrate fun ways to move
more — any form that can be enjoyed by a group. Have a leader move the group through a sample dance.

l Recipe Taste Test. Let participants bring a dish for tasting, with a recipe swap. Invite vendors from local
restaurants to supply healthy food samples and hand out menus.

l Sweet Taste of Victory. Hold an obstacle relay, such as balancing oranges and apples on a tray while walking
the relay line to hand off the tray to the next walker. Have 1 relay trip equal 200 steps, with the total of all relay
trips at 2000 steps or more. When the relay is complete, everyone gets a sweet taste of victory from a tray of
fresh fruit.

l Sidewalk Rally. Create a series of clues — the first leads them to a destination where they pick up their next
clue, and so on. Set each location within a certain distance (500 steps, for example). The team that finishes the
rally first wins.

l Scavenger Hunt. This competition is fun for all ages. Give teams of walkers a list of items to collect (red flower,
bird feather, yesterday’s newspaper, etc.) or to locate and photograph with a digital camera (pool, yield sign,
park bench). Have everyone meet at a designated time to see which team has found the most.

l Healthy Helpings. Add a recipe makeover (less fat, fewer calories) demo booth. Be sure to include any
dishes famous in your area. Invite a local chef or registered dietitian to display the recipe makeovers and pass
out samples.

l Take a Step For a Cause. Organize volunteer projects that encourage participants to move more while they
are doing something positive for the community. Organize a clean up project in the local parks or on local trails.
Provide services to older adults by doing yard work or errands. Canvass local neighborhoods for a cause.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p9

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Steptember Proclamation
Presented by America On the Move
in partnership with the YMCA of the USA

Whereas…
H Nearly two out of three Americans are now overweight or obese.
H The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than
tripled since 1980. Among children and adolescents aged 6-19 years,
16% – over 9 million young people-are considered overweight.

H Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious chronic diseases such

as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

H In 2000, the estimated annual cost of obesity in the United States was
about $117 billion.

H Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of

American adults do not get enough
physical activity to provide health benefits.

H According to the Institute of Medicine, in 1969, an average of 48 percent of all students and 90 percent living no
more than a mile away walked or bicycled to school. In 1999, only 19 percent of children walked to or from school
and 6 percent rode bicycles to school.

H According to the U.S. Surgeon General, as policy makers and health professionals, we must embrace small steps
toward coordinated policy and environmental changes that will help Americans live longer, better,
healthier lives.

H Achieving energy balance; balancing amount calories eaten with calories burned through physical activity
each day is the best way to prevent weight gain.

H Community commitment toward creating policies and environments that provide opportunities for people
to enjoy physical activity and make healthy eating choices on a regular basis is essential for effective, lasting change.

H Teachers, parents, business leaders, and others across the nation are joining together with America On the Move
and YMCAs nationwide and here in our state of X to make these positive changes in their communities.

I, ____________________________________, proclaim the month of September to be Steptember in conjunction

(Name, Title of Official)

with America On the Move and the YMCA’s Activate America Initiative in __________________________ and ask
(City, State)

everyone to make two simple changes; move a little more by taking an extra 2000 steps and eat wisely by

consuming 100 fewer calories.

Visit: w w w. a m e r i c a o n t h e m o v e . o rg H Call: 800.807.0077 p 10

©Copyright 2007, America on the Move Foundation