Do you know a teen wellness leader? Of course, asking that question may lead you to wonder ... what is a Teen Wellness Leader? A teenager who is setting a good example and showing leadership in health and wellness. Yes, teenagers have their own set of challenges -- Or so I'm told. My girls aren't there yet! -- but they can play an important role within their families, their peer groups and the larger community in developing healthy habits, and helping others to do the same.
Amway Global and the YMCA are looking to recognize 51 teenagers who fit this description -- one from each state and Washington D.C.
Each selected Teen Wellness Leader will receive a $1,000 scholarship for further education; a $1,000 donation toward a local YMCA and the chance to be featured in Newsweek magazine. Pretty cool! Or even "sick!" Which I'm told means, in today's teen speak, "cool!" Although sick would certainly be a strange way to describe an award about wellness. I digress!
The Teen Wellness Leader Search is one element of Amway Global's new collaboration with YMCA of the USA - Inspire Wellness - which was created to encourage individual, family and community health and wellness, while establishing awareness of Amway Global's role as a leader in health and wellness among consumers. It's just one part of Amway Global's unprecedented investment in raising public awareness of, the opportunity we support and the products we offer.
Be sure to nominate a teen in your community who is promoting health and wellness. Some examples of what teens are doing around the country might include:
- Advocating for physical education classes in school and healthier food options in school cafeterias;
- Organizing friends to help build a playground or develop a walking path in a local park;
- Managing community gardens that provide locally grown produce;
- Coaching team sports or promoting other activities in underserved neighborhoods;
- Accompanying older adults on walking excursions; and
- Organizing a 5k or walk.
The online nomination period for the Search for Teen Wellness Leaders is open now through November 16, 2008 at 10 p.m. EST. To view the official contest rules, check out nominated teens, or to nominate a teen, visit www.inspirewellness.com.