Why the Alliance was Formed Rising rates of overweight and obesity; 50% of adults are not active enough for health benefits; Concern about dietary practices of Nova Scotians; Increased interest in chronic disease prevention; Increased interest in collaboration across ‘disease’ groups and sectors; Event – “Collaborative Action to Promote Healthy Weights”; Cost of Obesity report Event – “Communicating for Change”.

Who Are We? network of agencies and individuals; Focus on promotion of healthy eating, physical activity and healthy body weights; Joint identification of priority areas for action; Co-convened by Cancer Care Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Health Promotion

What We Value Population health and health promotion approaches; Unique strengths, experiences and expertise of all; Building on existing programs and experiences; Evidence-based decisions and actions; Full participation of all members, respecting individual capacities.

How We Do Our Work Coordinating group –Sets strategic direction –Overseas evaluation –Establishes and provides input to Action Groups Action groups: –Focused on a specific strategic priority –Accountable directly to the membership –Evolving based on strategic planning processes

Accomplishments  Barriers and Enablers report- children.  Web site  Pan Canadian Healthy Living Strategy  Atlantic Wellness Strategy  Health Promotion N.S. Advisory Committee  Research into p.a. counseling role and readiness  PACE initiative  Healthy Eating Nova Scotia strategy  2 Provincial conferences

Planning for the Future  Strategic Planning 2005  May Meeting of Alliance members  Key Learning  Strategic Priorities  Go Forward Plan

Our Vision  Nova Scotia is a province that enables the adoption of healthy eating and physically active lifestyles through the creation of supportive environments, healthy public policy and programs that respect the diversity and needs of our population.

Our Mandate Our mandate is to: Facilitate communication and information sharing among those working to address healthy eating, and physical activity at the local, provincial and national levels

Our Mandate Improve the effectiveness of member efforts in promoting healthy eating and physical activity by facilitating mechanisms for networking and the identification of collaborative action

Our Mandate Advocate on issues of importance and relevance to the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity including the implementation and adequate resourcing of comprehensive strategies.

Alliance Objectives To co-host with RNS a provincial conference 2.To finalize the Alliance strategic plan. 3.To establish a sustainable infrastructure 4.To research, develop and disseminate evidence-based position statements 5.To strengthen communication and linkages 6. To strengthen and grow the membership of the Alliance.

Benefits of Being a Member Opportunities for individual members and member organizations to engage in collaborative thinking, capacity building and direction setting; Links you to partners with whom you can work to advocate for policies that support healthy eating and physical activity; Lets you know first about Alliance sponsored events and conferences so that you can register early (important for space-limited events!); Opportunities for working together towards a common goal.

Opportunities and Benefits for Recreation Professionals Networking Opportunity Collaboration and Partnership (training, resources, advocacy) Comprehensive Approach to healthy living Stay informed – new resources and tools Cross Marketing Create Greater understanding for Recreation Get involved at a level that works for you

How To Become a Member Check out the Health Promotion Clearinghouse Website under the Alliance for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity; Print off a copy of the Membership Registration Form, fill it out and send it in; Or Complete a registration form today and leave it with me. Or Sign up to participate as a member of an Action Group.

A Little Something to Consider… The Alliance is going to develop a series of position statements to reflect the issues deemed most critical for action by its membership. Given the Alliance mandate and its current focus on healthy eating, physical activity and healthy body weight, what issue do you think should be addressed in a position statement. Task: Over dinner – have a discussion about the many issues that could be addressed in this way. As a group at your table identify one or two issues to put forward.