Keys to Success > Community Level: How Does Your Organization Connect with the World Outside?
This section focuses on interactions with the community that encourage physical activity.
Government agencies, other corporations and unions can help support your initiative. You might work with city planners, for example, to develop walking/biking paths. You might work with a health and safety committee to improve union as well as organizational policies.
What community facilities or services are nearby?
Depending on the interests in your workplace, you might look for swimming pools, gyms, walking trails, or exercise or yoga classes. Consider sharing space with other workplaces in your building.
Has your community initiated active living programs that will support your efforts?
For examples of community programs, see Active Edmonton, Calgary’s GO2, and Healthy U’s Community Choosewell Challenge.
Is there an opportunity for your workplace to rally the troops to participate in community activities?
Many opportunities exist for group physical activity in community settings. These include Corporate Challenges, SummerActive, WinterActive, team sports and charity walks/runs. Some of these offer rewards.
Is there a provincial or municipal workplace award you can go after?
For an example, see the Alberta’s Premier’s Award for Healthy Workplaces.
Do you need to hire a qualified instructor? Is there a certification organization?
It is very important to hire people who have the knowledge and training to instruct classes or provide advice. In Alberta, visit the Provincial Fitness Unit for more information on certification. This may also be important from a safety or legal point of view.
For other ways to connect with the community to promote physical activity at work, visit the Ideas section on this website.
Identify other organizations and community-based services you can connect with to provide physical activity information, classes or even the space to be physically active.
Find out More
Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture: Sport and recreation programs and services that are offered through the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month : This event is held each October, but you can access the website year round. Check out the archived activities from past years for lots of ideas.
Community active living programs:
Corporate Challenges: Getting a team together to participate in a Corporate Challenge can make your work a friendlier place. Available in many communities, these employer-focused competitions promote team spirit and kindle employee friendships. Check with your municipal recreation department to find out if there is a challenge in your community and if so when.
Premier’s Award for Healthy Workplaces: An Alberta award for healthy workplaces. Go to the Healthy Alberta website and click on the “Premier’s Award” section.
Provincial Fitness Unit: This organization administers, certifies and supports Alberta fitness professionals. The Provincial Fitness Unit can help you identify qualified fitness leaders.