Feet First is an innovative grassroots program that explores the link between active transportation, healthy bodies, responsible environmentalism and strong communities. The program teaches children and their parents about alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles and the myriad benefits of reducing car use. Feet First, was piloted in April 2000 in three schools in the Denver area. Since then, the program has reached over 1200 students in the metro-area.

Feet First employs one full time staff person in addition to abank of volunteers and a board of directors.

The program has two separate curricula one for 2-3rd graders, the other for 4-5th graders. And follows the format listed below:

• Two half hour sessions. Each session includes a brief take-home activity. The program is offered at no cost participating schools.

• Session 1: Introduction, bikes and walking

• Session 2: Bus and light rail, review

Jessica Sherwood, the Founder and Director of Feet First, is a third generation Coloradoan. She has a background in politics and policy work. She has worked for Colorado Senator Tim Wirth, Ohio State Representative Jane Campbell, several non-profit advocacy groups and on a variety of political campaigns. She holds a Master's in Social Policy from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and a BA in History from the University of Colorado.

Links to Articles

Denver Channel 7
"7 Everyday Hero"
September 8, 2003 www.thedenverchannel.com

The Washington Post
"The Road Too Much Traveled"
January 27, 2003 www.washingtonpost.com

High Country News
"Small Steps for Change"
August 27, 2001
www.hcn.org