International Walk to School Day Collaboration

Timeframe

2000-2011

HSRC Team

Lauren Marchetti
Nancy Pullen-Seufert
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Collaborating organization(s)

IWALK Steering Committee chaired by a representative in the U.K., with the U.S. (led by HSRC) and Canada being the other two lead organizations. Several other countries joined during the intervention period.

Summary

International Walk to School Day was established in 2000, after the UK, Canada and the United States (led by HSRC) had each been celebrating it independently for a short period. A group of three organizations representing these countries came together to make the event international. The UK representative began convening regular conference calls to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Growing interest in participation all over the world led the International Walk to School Committee to shift its promotion to International Walk to School Month for the entire month of October. Additional countries joined, peaking at participation of more than 45 countries.

HSRC designed and maintained the website and conducted outreach to participating countries to request updated plans. HSRC also responded to inquiries sent via the website, providing technical assistance to organizations around the globe and, when possible, connecting them with other groups doing similar work in their respective countries.

Research Impact, Results, and Findings

The group found there was worldwide interest in improving safety and enjoyment for children walking to school.

Funding organization(s)

None. Each organization supported their own participation. HSRC’s participation came from a range of funding sources.

Scope

International

Deliverables

Website (iwalktoschool.org) explaining International Walk to School Day and how each participating country was celebrating the day.

Additional information

Stockholm Partnerships Award from the King of Sweden: The International Walk to School Committee’s initial convenors in the U.K., Canada and the U.S. (HSRC) received the Stockholm Partnerships Award from the King of Sweden in 2002. The Award recognized innovative solutions for sustainable development in metropolitan areas that demonstrate local impact, innovative thinking and a potential for replication or transferability.