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Question: I would like to implement a wellness program in the small to mid size companies in the surrounding community. I believe there is a need as many large companies have added these and reaped the benefits. I am not sure how to go about getting my vision to be a reality-get my foot in the door. I have some understanding of compiling a formal presentation to the powers that be. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer: Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor of the CTB. Promotion of wellness (and the prevention of life problems) is a goal that we share at CTB. Perhaps there may be a niche for this work with not-for-profit companies, as well. It sounds as if your idea is developing and would benefit from formally articulating a vision statement and systematically planning for how you will realize the vision. The "Do the Work" and "Using Promising Approaches" tabs on the CTB website would have useful information about the steps in taking an idea and translating that into a program. Formally developing a model for change (#4 on "Do the Work") would be a good first step; this tab offers a "how to guide" for developing a logic model that both helps you plan for the resources and partnerships needed to implement your program. Developing a model for how services would be delivered and how they would be tailored to the needs of the organizations will be helpful. In addition, the "Do the Work" point #5 about Developing a strategic plan may be helpful to articulate before you approach companies and organizations. "Using Promising Approaches" outlines the most common stages in beginning a program, getting it established, evaluating it, and maintaining its success. You can click each of these stages for checklists, step-by step guide to common issues in starting programs. Again, thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. Hopefully the ideas and information are helpful.
Question Date: Sun, 04/19/2009