The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation – in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina PTA, and North Carolina Recreation and Park Association – is looking for “Community Sparkplugs” to help build a healthier North Carolina. So, what exactly is a Community Sparkplug? It is any individual who:
- Wants to help the community
- Has the energy and enthusiasm to put an idea into practice
- Is ready to make a change
- Is interested in achieving results
- Knows people who share his/her passion for community change
- Needs a little support and seed money to get things started
If this describes you and you have an interest (no knowledge or experience required, however) in increasing physical activity and/or increasing access to and consumption of healthy foods in your county, please email me at willona@nccouncilofchurches.org and put “Calling all Community Sparkplugs” in the subject line. The first few grants will be awarded in Lenoir, Caldwell and Scotland counties only; if these projects are a success, Community Sparkplugs will be introduced in other counties across the state. To find out what’s happening in Lenoir County (i.e., the first county to take advantage of this unique opportunity), please click here.
-Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator
