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Mission | Values & Principles | Priorities | Structure
Since World War II, physical activity has been engineered out of many parts of American life. From elevators and drive-thru restaurants to cul-de-sac suburbs and strip malls, we have become increasingly sedentary. Currently, more than one in four Americans get no activity at all in an average day. Not surprisingly, rates of obesity and related health problems have skyrocketed during the same time period.
The Health by Design coalition, an Alliance for Health Promotion initiative, was created building on the science of Active Living by Design to find creative approaches for integrating physical activity into Hoosiers’ lives. Rather than solely addressing obesity as an individual health problem, the coalition work focuses on how the built environment — including neighborhoods, transportation systems, buildings, parks and open space — can promote more active lives.
Health by Design is composed of leaders in diverse professions such as urban planning, architecture, transportation planning, education, environment and public health. Together we will work to identify opportunities for coordinated action and to promote activity-friendly environments in cities, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.
Our Mission: to create an environment that promotes physical activity and protects the environment through education, advocacy and action.
Our Values and Principles:
Values Inclusivity: Striving for diversity and inclusiveness in participation regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, religious belief or affiliation, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background, or any other distinction.
- Integrity: Demonstrating respect and fairness toward all, valuing each person’s opinions and skills, and conveying the Coalition’s message honestly and ethically.
- Cooperation: Communicating and making decisions based on clear, open processes, the inclusion of many voices, and consensus building when possible.
- Achievement-oriented: Setting measurable goals and timelines to evaluate the success and progress of the Coalition’s efforts.
- Learning Experience: Emphasizing education, both with our members and through community outreach efforts, to strengthen and develop the Coalition and Mission.
- Fun!
Principles
- Inclusive: We will strive to create diversity among our membership and not discriminate based on race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, religious belief or affiliation, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background, or any other inappropriate distinction.
- Community-focused: Whenever possible, we will promote citizen participation in the planning and implementation strategies of programs to which we contribute, striving to encourage stakeholder involvement in activities for the betterment of the environment and health of the citizens of greater Marion County.
- Economically Viable: Consideration will be given to the economic viability of proposals and initiatives pursued. Although not the only factor in decision-making, we will strive to consider the economic viability of any actions and the impact on those involved before proceeding with a course of action.
- Follow Best Practices: To maximize efforts and resources, policy, programmatic and procedural “best practices” will be followed. If there are no “best practices” for any work proposed, the coalition may implement other suggestions, but the efforts will have to be evaluated to justify future use.
Our Priorities:
- Increase neighborhood, city and regional connectivity.
- Increase walking, biking and other public transit options.
- Encourage land use decision making that promotes public health.
- Reduce dependency on automobiles
Our Structure:
The Health by Design coalition is governed by a steering committee comprised of the coalition chair, vice-chair, secretary, committee chairs, and ad-hoc members. Our committees are:
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