Neighborhood Walks Toolkit

Huge THANK YOU to the Leadership Bend 2025 Cohort for creating this toolkit!

Mellissa Kamanya, Jamie Dyer, Mary Murphy, Michelle Solley, Nick Sackos, Ryan Eckman, Sara Sherman, Taryn Amens, Todd Prior

Ready to get started??

Reach out to info@envisionbend.org to let us know if you are A) using the Neighborhood Walks Toolkit to start a walking group so we can help promote it and/or B) you are interested in starting one but need a little support getting started.

ABOUT

In 2023, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released a national Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. Studies before the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that one out of two Americans (~50%) are experiencing loneliness. With increasing social isolation and loneliness, there is a need for social connection here in Central Oregon.

Playing off of the ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program, which started in the 1970s to activate citizens to support local law enforcement, the' Neighborhood Walks’ program empowers residents to organize regular neighborhood walking groups to increase connections and neighborly support.

This toolkit was created in collaboration with Envision Bend and Bend Chamber’s 2025 Leadership Bend class. It has been designed to provide you with everything you need to start an 8-10 week walking group in your own neighborhood. A walking program is easy to start and maintain. To be a Neighborhood Walks leader, all you need is this toolkit, a pair of shoes, and a willingness to meet your neighbors.

Walking with your neighbors has many benefits!

• New social connections and friendships

• Better stress management

• Improved fitness

• Increased neighborhood awareness and safety

• Engage in other neighborhood events, activities and advocacy

  Best of all, walking with your neighbors is the best way to create connections and get people out and moving in your neighborhood. Let’s get walking, Central Oregon!