Local Wellness Policy Advocate Guide: What can advocates do?

Spread the Word: Disseminate and Educate

1. Share with your social media networks information about the USDA final rule for updating Local Wellness Policy LWP: http://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/

a. Incorporate information/resources provided on website into social media messaging (themed social media campaigns, Tweetchats, memes, graphics, infographics, GIFs, etc). Use the common hashtag #WellnessPolicy

b. See model social media posts

2. Attend and share information at school-themed conferences and meetings, local PTA meetings, community forums, school health meetings, or teacher trainings.

3. Write a blog, newsletter article, and/or article for other publication.

4. Write an op-ed or letter to the editor (LTE) to local media outlets (see sample op-ed template)

5. Issue a press statement and/or media advisory.

a. Reach out to local media to do a story on the issue.

6. Take pictures of local wellness policy activities (e.g., healthy meals or snacks, healthy and/or non-food school food and beverage marketing, healthy and/or non-food fundraiser, healthy school celebration, nutrition education, physical education, recess, or local wellness policy meeting or training) and share with the community via social media, newsletters, etc.

Take Action and Engage Other Allies

1. Write e-mail to or send tweets to community leaders and public officials to educate them on the issues and what is happening. 

a. Meet with government officials to discuss the importance and content of an updated local wellness policy and implementation plan. Find out what your school district’s current policy is beforehand. Work with other parents or school personnel to assess your school district’s nutrition and physical activity practices (see Alliance for a Healthier Generation and CDC’s School Health Index).

b. Connect with school employees that can make a difference from the inside.  These local implementers include school superintendent, principal(s), local school board member(s), district food service director, and physical education and health teachers.

c. Consider serving on a local wellness policy committee or meet with the members of the local wellness policy committee or school health committee.

2. Attend meetings and events hosted by entities such as:  the school district or individual school, school board, city or county council, and community groups (non-profit education, health and/or physical activity groups, local PTA) to highlight the current status of your school district’s LWP and implementation plan, and any needed changes.  Identify allies and invite interested community members or leaders to join in updating your LWP and implementation plan.

a. Deliver oral or submit written testimony at relevant meetings.

b. Attend town halls and raise the issue with local officials.