Gathering your participant group
If you are willing to help get a walking program organized, find at least one other person who is willing to help you in the effort and:

• Place a note in the bulletin/newsletter about the prospective program and see who might be interested.
• Use a "Minute for Mission" to present the walking program as a way of practicing good stewardship of our health and body.
• Get together as a group to see what will fit most schedules.
• Make a commitment as to the number of times each week your group is willing to devote 30-45 minute time segments.
• Decide where you will walk. Find a place that will be enjoyable for walking.
• Choose a meaningful name, theme or symbolic destination. Members of Lakeside Presbyterian Church set the distance to Jerusalem as their "goal." The members walked until their cumulative total reached 6,675 miles.
• Demonstrate your commitment to your community's issues by participating in "walks" as a group.
• Outfit your participants with cool and sweet-free tee shirts carrying the Health Ministries USA logo. They are designed so that you can add your group name, as well. Call (888) 728-7228, x5787 to order.

Beginning the Program – Properly and in Order!
Once you have decided when and where your walking program will be held, hold an "orientation" program for the participants and get everyone ready to move.

Much of the following information will be helpful for your orientation, particularly for members who have not participated in walking as a formal exercise. Individuals will want to have copies of the log sheets (there are a couple of options) and may also want basic information about walking to take and read on their own.

When you walk for fitness, you need to do it right — properly and in order — if you want to maximize calorie burn and prevent injuries. To check your technique, have a friend watch you walk, or stride on a treadmill in front of a mirror.