Washtenaw Optimal Wellness (WOW) is working diligently to implement a Blue Zone Project. Blue Zone® Projects help citizens make the healthy choice, the easy choice™.
Faith-based organizations of all denominations are a vital part of Blue Zones® Communities. One of the main principles of the Power 9® Blue Zones® concepts is Belong. Another is Purpose.
Centenarians have a strong sense of community and belonging and attend faith based services. They also know their purpose and are able to articulate what makes them get up everyday.
Is it believed that attending faith based services may reduce stress and increase longevity. In fact, several studies have been done that show that church communities can help reduce blood pressure!
See: Studies Show Church Communities Can Help Reduce High Blood Pressure https://www.bluezones.com/2019/05/studies-show-faith-based-communities-help-reduce-high-blood-pressure/
In Blue Zones® Project cities, working with faith-based organizations is part of the reason the program has been able to improve the health of and engage with members. In many communities, where distrust of the medical system, lack of health insurance, or other barriers to care exist, faith leaders often have the trust over elected leaders.
Faith-based organizations that get involved with Blue Zones® Project benefit by generating a new energy and excitement for focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to better serve their members.
Other Blue Zones® Project Communities
BENEFITS FOR FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
Healthy Membership. Blue Zones® Project engages your members in simple activities that strengthen physical, social, and emotional health.
• Small social groups called Moais® support walking, healthy eating, and sense of purpose.
• The Blue Zones® Personal Pledge asks individuals to commit to taking small steps toward healthier behaviors. In one Fort Worth, Texas, church, more than 95% of members stepped forward and made that commitment.
Visibility. Social media, web, and community promotions make your organization visible to potential new members, civic leaders, and other groups.
• Participating Iowa communities averaged 70% public awareness, with several communities reaching nearly 90%. More than 50% of residents reported being highly engaged in the Project.
Community Service and Connection. Blue Zones® Project can inspire community service among your members and spark interfaith collaboration.
• Youth groups from several faith communities in Forth Worth, Texas, came together to support planting season in a neighborhood garden that helps feed elderly residents.
• Initiatives like cooking demonstrations and Purpose Workshops serve your members and provide an opportunity to welcome newcomers into your space.
The Blue Zones® Project Team Commitment
WE MAKE IT EASY
Free access. Privately funded by sponsor organizations, Blue Zones® Project experts, tools, and resources are available to you at no cost.
Proven practices. Blue Zones® Project has identified more than 37 best practices for faith based organizations to create an atmosphere that inspires member well-being. You’ll find new ideas and ways to expand what you’re already doing, and many can be implemented at low or no cost.
Flexible approach. You decide which practices best suit your congregation, from hosting a plant-based potluck to using the Blue Zones® Legacy Project to connect younger and older members. You can suggest and include your own creative pledge actions as part of completing the Blue Zones Project Faith-Based Organization Pledge.
Hands-on support. Local Blue Zones Project team members—working onsite in your community—provide resources, expertise, and outreach material to help you, your staff, committees, and members take action. You can connect with other participating organizations and community leaders through local Blue Zones Project events.
Clear metrics. Blue Zones Project is committed to measuring action and results. We’ll help youset relevant measures for your organization’s healthy initiatives. Community-wide well-being improvement progress will be tracked annually using the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index™.
Collaborative strength. With more than 200 interventions across organizations, Blue Zones® Project aims to reach all the places people live, work, learn, and play. Healthy behaviors spread within and outside your congregation, connecting you and your members to a thriving community. In these environments, healthy and easy become one and the same.
Positive recognition. Blue Zones Project has a strong record of creating positive media coverage, with broad benefits for community recruitment, retention, and economic health.
MAKE THE HEALTHY CHOICE THE EASY CHOICE. IN YOUR CONGREGATION. IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Bring your power to the movement toward healthy change. Contact your Blue Zones® Project team to get started with the Blue Zones® Project Faith-Based Organization Pledge.
