In 2008 - 2009, the Junior League of Madison, Inc. has committed to supporting the following programs:
Mad About Kids' Health Community Initiative
The JLM believes that children are our community's most important resource and recognizes that childhood obesity, poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity are serious health problems for our children and their families. The objective of the JLM's multi-year, multi-faceted commitment to addressing this issue is to help foster a healthy community environment that encourages, promotes and provides healthy eating and activity choices for children while improving their self-esteem and working to reduce and prevent childhood obesity.Girls on the Run
"Girls on the Run" is a fitness program for girls in the 3rd through 5th grade throughout Dane County. The 12-week after-school program addresses all aspects of a girl's development including her physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. The weekly lessons, along with physical activity, are aimed at providing the tools girls need to avoid risky adolescent behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, early sexual activity, eating disorders and obesity. The program culminates with the girls participating together in a non-competitive 5k race. This year, JLM implemented a "snack sister" program, bringing healthy snacks to the girls after practice. League members also plan and execute the Race Day "Superstar" awards party.The YMCA of Dane County - Dance, Dance Revolution program
The YMCA and JLM partnered together to purchase and implement a program that uses the interactive video game, Dance Dance Revolution, to encourage physical activity. Dance Dance Revolution allows four youth to compete on game pads linked to a central system, and an additional 48 youth to practice on pads behind them while waiting their turn to compete in a tournament-style set-up. In addition, JLM volunteers participate 2-4 hours a week throughout the year in the "kid's zone," and help staff special events such as Strong Kids Class Golf tournament, Halloween Party, and Holiday Parties.The Madison Children's Museum - "Twist and Sprout" Activity/Snack Booklet
The JLM New Member Class, The Madison Children's Museum (MCM) and JLM's Mad About Kid's Health initiative will create a resource for families that includes healthy recipes as well as ideas for physical activity and play. This bi-lingual booklet, called "Twist and Sprout," will feature healthy snack recipes and fun games collected from JLM members, MCM members and Outreach Program participants for children and families of all cultures and backgrounds across Dane County to enjoy.
Healthy U
In the Spring of 2009, JLM will partner with the YMCA on a daylong event focused on kids health.Fit for the Future Roundtable
Junior League of Madison recognizes that the health of children affects the future of every family and our entire community. In the fall of 2008, JLM sponsored and facilitated a community roundtable discussion with local experts in children's nutrition and fitness to investigate perceptions of these issues and to discuss community initiatives that are already underway. The information gleaned from the Fit for the Future roundtable will enable JLM to identify grant recipients and focus the JLM effort for fighting childhood obesity through improved nutrition and fitness awareness.
See the results from our October, 2007 "Fit for the Future" roundtable event.
