In the clip above, Shellie Pfohl, the Executive Director President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, talks about the origins of what I believe is the longest-running, comprehensive, state-wide, non-government fitness program ever devised. It is testimony to the power of grassroots activism as levels of physical activity have shown significant improvement in North Carolina over the past 15 years even as obesity levels have fallen (going against the national trends).
Guess what? Not a penny of government money has been involved. But there are a wealth of volunteers at the grassroots—all of them well-trained and passionate about the Be Active process.
And it all began in my living room with a borrowed flip chart and a belief in local leadership.
Can it be duplicated elsewhere? Of course. All that's required is for politicians to check their egos at the door and for everyone else to stop pontificating and start activating—in all senses of the word. How? Let’s talk.