Promote the Event
Tell students, parents and others how to participate. Making announcements at school, publishing school newsletter articles and sending flyers home are just a few ways to get the word out. Posting signs along the route a few days ahead will help inform the community. Business sponsors may want to hang signs in their stores.
Media coverage of the event brings visibility to the event’s purpose and any changes that need to be made to make it safer for kids to walk and bike to school. When media cover an event, they help spread the word of the great health, safety, environmental and social benefits of more children walking to school every day. Colorful signs held by smiling, walking children and adults create a perfect photo opportunity.
Other promotional event ideas:
- Ask the mayor to sign an Official Proclamation for International Walk to School.
- Invite local celebrities to participate.
- Have kids design promotional materials for the event.
- Create a walking web site.
- Have community leaders greet and congratulate kids as they arrive at school.
- Provide parents with maps of safe routes to school.
