One of the most important issues our communities face today is the staggering increase in the
rates of obesity and chronic disease. Inherent in everyday decision making, Latino elected officials
have the opportunity to inform and shape policies concerning school wellness, community design, neighborhood safety, transportation, housing, as well as recreation, and access to affordable fresh
foods and quality health care. These very decisions affect opportunities for physical activity and
healthy eating, which are both directly associated with the prevention of obesity and chronic disease.
As public servantand community leaders, Latino elected officials are poised to take action to build healthy communities. This series of policy trainings will provide an overview of the critical health issues facing communities and provide strategies to enhance the impact of Latino leadership for
healthier communities.

As the principal convener of Latino elected and appointed officials from across the nation,
the NALEO Educational Fund recognizes the importance of providing Latino elected and appointed officials with the tools necessary to be effective advocates for the populations they serve. Aligned with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Active Living Leadership Initiative, the NALEO Educational Fund has recognized that its work in this arena is conducive to supporting government leaders in promoting healthy school and community environments in low income and underserved communities
to address youth obesity in addition to other corresponding quality of life concerns.

The NALEO Educational Fund’s Healthy Communities Initiative is designed to:

• Enhance the effectiveness of Latino leaders and their ability to advance successful health policy, related investments and reform in their communities.
  
  
• Increase participating Latino elected and appointed officials’ skills to provide for effective governance, public policy and leadership throughout the nation, thereby helping to address urgent health issues such as childhood obesity and disparities facing Latinos today.
  
  
• Introduce and contextualize the issues of childhood obesity and active living, providing technical assistance to champions who demonstrate a strong interest in affecting change, and tracking and disseminating promising practices and model legislation.