Let's Tackle Litter is a program geared toward high school age students. (one of the groups litter research shows to have the greatest potential for becoming Litterbugs) It is particularly appropriate for the fall when high schools are in the midst of football season. Members of a high school football teams are regarded with admiration by their peers. The strategy of Let's Tackle Litter is to enlist the support of the football team to join PRC's "Let's Tackle Litter" campaign by agreeing to "Take the Pledge NOT to Litter" en masse as a major school event to be covered by local press. When the team takes the Pledge NOT to Litter, the PRC Litterbug is there to witness it. The bug is not happy, but the team is determined. The team shows its commitment to fighting litter by leading a major community litter clean up and participating in PRC's Run Again Litter. After the football team leads the way, other school groups are invited to "Take the Pledge."

Procedure:

1. Choose two local communities

2. Identify those with winning football teams

3. Contact the school to find out the name of the coach

4. Contact the coach to explain about "Let's Tackle Litter."

a. Good PR for the school, the team and football

b. Good opportunity to teach players the importance of community service

c. Good way to raise money for the team as PRC will share proceeds of the Run Against Litter with them

5. Contact local media; explain the concept of "Let's Tackle Litter" and "Take the Pledge NOT to Litter; ask for their support to fight litter in their community and to help the team raise money

6. Follow some of the ideas for getting community support listed in PRC's Fighting Litter in Your Community: Blueprint for Action

7. If there is a professional football team or a college football team in your area, soliciting their assistance would be of great help.