How to get started

[terriluvsbooks]

First of all let me say that I realize I do not post here much at all. So this is kind of a selfish request as I have not done well at staying up with everything here. However, I am hoping that can be overlooked.

I want to start a letter writing campaign to encourage restaurants to display the international bf decal. Then I want to host a website that would list the restaurants. I am hoping that people would be more encouraged to go to places that are pro bf. Has anyone done anything like this? How do I get started? Any input, ideas, or advice? Thank you so much in advance.

[meganmarie]

That's a cool idea.

Are there restaurants and other establishments that already display the symbol? If so, you could start the website first and list those places. Then, when you write letters and do outreach, you have something to refer the owners to - they could then see the benefit of being included as the website will already exist.

In order for the website to be valuable it would help that it gets good traffic, which means having it link to as many places as possible, come up on searches etc. I'm not an expert on that topic, but bloggers could probably give you tips and tricks on positioning yourself strategically online so folks can find you.

[MaryJaneLouise]

I think this is a great idea, too. I was wondering if you could draw inspiration from the "Now Serving: Fresh Air" logos that I have seen in restaurants.

My city & state are not smoke free but some restaurants choose to be smokeless. Some of them display this logo.

Here's an example:

http://www.cuphd.org/smoke-free.html

http://www.smokefreewashingtonco.org/

[TattoMomK]

Funny you ask, yesterday I was going to ask if my local TGIF would display it since my NIP was treated so kindly there. I don't have any idea how to go about this other than simply asking the manager/owners of your local restaurants.

Or writing corporate headquarters of the big chains -- but see, not all states protect NIP, so only certain restaurants are actually obligated by law to let you nurse nationwide. It sure would help to get the symbol in States where NIP is not protected. PM me and I'll help you work on this!

[LeighB]

I just wanted to say that's a great idea! Could you start with local restaurants/non chains? I think they would be more open to it since they don't have a corporate management to deal with.

[jessica_lizette]

I don't have any advice for you but that's an awesome idea! Good luck!

[velcromom]

There are a lot of places on line where you can put up a free website. You can start free blog, or you can get a free site at somewhere like bravenet.

You can add a ton of features to your site for free too, to get traffic or make the site more interesting or to have visitors sign up for a newsletter you send or susbscribe to your rss feed... lots of things you can do.

I think a directory of breastfeeding-friendly restaurants is a great idea, and no reason why they wouldn't want to participate since it's essentially free advertising for them.