Back in the olden days of IIN in Australia (or in other words in 2009!) it was just little ol’ me. One hopeful IIN student looking to make a difference in the world.
You see, I started IIN before Pete Evans controversially activated a nut or Sarah Wilson made her decision to quit sugar.
So there I was, the ONLY Aussie in the first ever distance learning program, yet I was determined to make a difference. (I hope you don’t mind that I refer to myself as Aussie, I’ve been here 16 years now).
I knew I had to start my own movement, but how?
I found myself in the Head of Primary’s office one rainy afternoon offering my support. He was in the midst of planning our yearly community event. He asked if I would I like to organise a ‘health-athon’ for our school.
Of course I would! In fact, this was going to be the best Health-athon ever! Honesty though, I’d never even heard of a health-athon, but that wasn’t going to get in my way! So, I did what any resourceful, wellness inspired mum would do – I reached out to other mums.
Within a month I’d reached out to my community of parents and found a rainbow of talents. For two weeks we organised two events per day, all optional that the students and parents were invited to attend. We made it interesting by giving each child a passport folder and for each event they attended they got a sticker which would be translated to house points. We organised a logo and a mission statement. Parents were more than willing to donate their time.
Drumming workshop, laughter workshop, tai chi, yoga, meditation, dancing, gardening, picnics in the park, nutrition talks- the lot!
What did cost? Not much, about $15 in stickers!
The result? Absolutely priceless for the school community. We raised awareness and created serious momentum in our wellness cause. The canteen was put to tender and the two mums that partnered in wellness with me to organise the Health-athon are currently running the canteen and nourishing our children with beautiful soups, stews, salads with high quality, ethically chosen ingredients. To top it off, this nourishing food is always served with a smile.
Outcome for Vitamin L? Again, priceless! I regularly speak at the school for wellness events and I’m the beacon for wellness in my community. Many 6 month clients have come to see me as a result.
Fast forward 5 years…
Last month there was a staff development day. The staff were fed by the beautiful canteen a delicious roasted salmon, orange and fennel salad and quinoa salad. They were feeling quite nourished when I presented their wellness workshop and full of positive feedback.
Little did I know what an impact I made from putting up my hand in the community and sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for wellness. The Health-athon sparked a wave of healthy inspiration throughout my children’s school, which continues to this day.
If little ‘ol me, the first Aussie IIN graduate can do this, imagine what the 2000 new graduates of 2014 can achieve!
Best of luck!
Lots of health coaching love,
Marla
To find out about my Coach the Coach program click here .
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a beautiful story Marla! In my eyes you are a true blue Health Coach….and Aussie!
Hi Marla
Your story of the power of one IINer back in 2009 is pretty inspiring. Love what you have achieved within your school community. The canteen menu sounds awesome. Would love it if those types of healthy offerings were available at my children’s school. Great work and plenty of inspiration for the rest of us IIN’ers in 2014