Power to Prevent - National Diabetes Education Program - National ...

Pledge
Say: “Remember that your pledge should be realistic and specifc, and it should include
something that can be done regularly and that will last over time. Write your pledge
on your Weekly Pledge form.”
Give participants a few moments to write their pledges, and then ask if any participants would like
to share what they’ve written. Give gentle guidance if the pledges could be more realistic, more
specifc, or otherwise improved. An example of gentle guidance is, “Is there a way you could be
more specifc?”
Affrmation
Say: “We are going to end with the Power of Positive Thinking. An affrmation is a motivational quote
that you can use to remind yourself of your inner strength and that will to keep you on track until our
next session. Some people repeat the affrmation to themselves while walking, or they may post it on
the bathroom mirror or refrigerator door to receive encouragement from it every day. Our affrmation
for this week is ‘Unity is strength; division is weakness.’ How can this affrmation help you to keep
your pledge this week?”
If the group is slow to respond, you could suggest the following:
Unity means working together for a common goal. We are stronger if we support each other.
Division can weaken your resolve. If you and your family are divided about whether to make
changes in eating or activity, you may have more diffcultly in keeping your pledge. Can you fnd
a goal that will be agreeable to the other members of your family?
You can even be divided within yourself. Part of you may want to change, but something inside
of you may keep holding you back. Can you fnd a goal that is comfortable for you and brings up
no mixed feelings?
OPTIONAL ALTERNATIVE: It is suggested that you use motivational quotes and affrmations
at each session, and many more are included in Appendix H. You may also choose to have group
members bring motivational saying or quotes to each session, or you may ask the group to write its
own affrmations.
Preparation and Reminders for the Next Session
Say: “Next week we’ll be discussing the National Diabetes Education Program theme “Small Steps. Big
Rewards.” Be sure to use your GAME PLAN Food and Activity Tracker to get a baseline idea about
your eating and physical activity this week. Please bring it to our next session. And don’t forget to use
the affrmation to help you keep your pledge by repeating it to yourself while you walk or in whatever
way that helps you the most.”
NDEP Power to Prevent Session 9