Community Sparkplugs are individuals who:
- Have enthusiasm and make things happen
- Are the go to person in their neighborhood, school, community or church
- Can mobilize and galvanize others for the common good
- Want to help their community become more active and eat healthier foods
- Will get their idea off the ground with a little support and seed money
Do you know a Community Sparkplug in Wilson County?
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute — in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Recreation and Park Association, and Center for Environmental Farming Systems — are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce.
Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive:
- A $3,000 grant (simple application process)
- Individualized help to create an action plan and set project results
- Support and coaching over the next 6 months
- Opportunity to become part of a growing network of Community Sparkplugs across North Carolina
Examples of recent Community Sparkplugs’ projects:
- In Caldwell County, a 12 year-old planted seeds of food security in her community with Plant a Row for the Hungry: caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu/par
- In Lenoir County, the Virtual Workout Crew galvanized over 150 people to join Zumba classes. Get inspired by this two minute video: inspirednc.org/?grantee=takeema-parson
- In Scotland County, Wagram Primary started a community garden to donate produce to the local food bank and built a walking track for students and teachers to exercise during recess.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?
Register for an information session in Wilson:
Tuesday, January 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM or
Wednesday, January 16 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Wedgewood Public Golf Course on 3210 Statonburg Rd. SE, Wilson, 27893
Space limited to 30 participants per session; pre-register by January 10 at www.communitysparkplugs.org
Questions? Contact Ilana Dubester at ilana@whatworks.org or 919-260-6210
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