Identify your population
Group education strategies have been used with adults, seniors, children, and teenagers; multiple racial/ethnic groups including Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific islanders; and individuals from a range of income levels including lower income, working class, and middle class. Sessions have been conducted in urban and rural settings, with individuals who become aware of the program through various media outlets, or with individuals who are referred to the sessions by health care providers. Some groups include only individuals at risk of developing diseases related to physical activity, while others also include parents, friends, or other people who might have a significant impact on the individual of interest and his or her capacity to increase physical activity.
As you start to consider your own population, it will be important to identify important aspects of your population, such as:
- Define your population. (e.g., an organization, an internet community)
- Are there subgroups within this population?
- What are the geographic boundaries?
- What are the shared social and cultural characteristics of this community?
For more information on identifying your population, go to Assessment and Prioritization and Physical Activity in Different Populations.
Group education can take place in a variety of settings, including communities (e.g., community centers, summer camps), schools (e.g., health education classes for students, training for school staff), worksites, healthcare facilities (e.g., clinics, hospitals), and faith-based organizations. The setting that you select should reflect your population and your goals and objectives.
Some things to consider when identifying the setting for your group education intervention:
- What location is convenient?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Will transportation be required for some or all participants?
- Does the site have facilities and equipment needed for activities?
- Is there a cost associated with use of this site?
If your staff requires training, you will also need to figure out whether you are able to train the staff at your site or whether they will need to attend training elsewhere.
For more information on settings for physical activity interventions, go to Physical Activity in Different Settings.