Step up together for breastfeeding

The LLLI Resource Development Committee resdevcmte@llli.org

La Leche League International (LLLI) invites you to come together, fundraise, and advocate for breastfeeding. LLLI is a partner of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and our campaign is inspired by the WABA theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2022, which is “Step up for Breastfeeding: educate and support”.

As the world faces the pandemic and other emergencies, many people want to focus on their own health. They also want to support local breastfeeding mothers and families. Here is a chance to challenge yourself on a personal level that will have an impact on supporting La Leche League around the world.

You can raise money for “Step Up Together for Breastfeeding” by asking people to sponsor you to take a certain number of steps, travel a certain distance, or get involved with advocacy. Some watches or phone apps will count steps/kilometers/miles. You can also decide on a certain distance or place to step/travel within. Or, you can choose an advocacy challenge, such as attending a local public health meeting or writing a letter to your local government representatives. Choose a challenge that gets people to come together and supports both you and La Leche League. You could also choose a group event, organized by LLL Leaders or supporters.

How does it work?

Further information and forms can be found on the LLLI website here. Both LLLI and your regional entity of La Leche League (such as LLL New Zealand) will have information on how to fundraise in and donate within specific countries.

When you join the campaign, you decide which part of La Leche League to send the donated funds to. You could donate your funds equally among different LLL levels: Local Group, (LLL Area – if it exists), your global Direct Connect Entity and La Leche League International. You could offer all of your funds towards the global work of LLLI, or perhaps your local LLL group really needs renewed resources. You decide where your efforts would have the most impact.

We would love to share pictures and stories of your different fundraising and advocacy events from around the world. There is an LLLI website page dedicated to this campaign. Find it here. LLLI social media will amplify local LLL entity posts, re-post your photos, and host LLL events.

Send your photos (with consent forms), and the stories of your fundraising and advocacy efforts to the LLLI social media team [socmedcmte@llli.org]. You can share posts, and tag LLLI and LLL entities with the hashtag #StepUpTogetherForBreastfeeding. Find consent forms here.

Special “Step Up Together for Breastfeeding” t-shirts are for sale at bonfire.com. You can also wear your existing La Leche League merchandise.

When can we start?

The campaign starts on 1 August and runs through to 17 October. LLLI requests that all Step Up Together for Breastfeeding money be distributed no later than 30 November 2022.

We can’t wait to read and see all your actions and efforts to step up together for breastfeeding. Thank you to everyone who is willing to join the campaign. Good luck!