The NWANA Nordic Walking Groups system helps individuals, communities, and organizations join existing Nordic Walking Groups or begin developing new ones.

The system connects Individual Licenses, Group Licenses, dedicated group websites, education, activities, events, competitions, fundraising, communications, and a pathway toward RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group status.

An Individual License is issued to a person. It allows that person to join the NWANA Nordic Walking Groups system within a selected category, connect with an existing group, or become the first licensed participant associated with the formation of a new group.

A Nordic Walking Group License applies to the group itself. It establishes the group within the NWANA system and provides the foundation for its dedicated website, programs, activities, and continued development.

An Individual License does not automatically make its holder the owner, director, instructor, or authorized representative of a group or organization.

The standard fee for an Individual License is $20 per year.

RunSignup automatically prorates the fee based on the time remaining in the current license year. A person registering later in the year may therefore pay less than the full annual amount.

The initial Nordic Walking Group License and creation of the group’s dedicated website are free.

The group does not pay an annual NWANA Group License fee unless it later applies for and receives RECOGNIZED Status.

Eligibility depends on the category.

Some Individual Licenses are open to anyone interested in developing Nordic Walking within the relevant community. Other categories may require a verifiable relationship with a particular organization or authorization to act on its behalf.

Review the complete description of the selected license before registering.

Review all 14 categories before making your selection. The category that best fits you, your community, or your organization may not be the first one you see, especially when viewing the page on a mobile device.

Each category has a different purpose, audience, authorization process, and pathway for developing a Nordic Walking Group.

View Individual & Group Licenses:
https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NWANANWGroups/Page/NWANA-Individual-Group-Licenses

You become an Individual License holder within the selected category.

If an appropriate Nordic Walking Group already exists, you may become connected with that group. If no appropriate group exists, your registration may become the starting point for forming a new group and creating its dedicated website within the NWANA system.

NWANA may contact you to confirm the correct category, location, organization, and group format.

No.

Obtaining an Individual License does not require you to create a group, become its leader, organize walks, teach classes, or conduct events.

However, it does not exclude those possibilities. If you are interested, you may help develop the group, accept a leadership role, complete professional training, organize activities, or contribute in another capacity.

Yes.

A new group may begin with one interested person holding the appropriate Individual License. NWANA can then establish the initial Group License and dedicated website and help the group begin attracting additional participants.

There are no initial NWANA activity requirements. The group may develop gradually.

Yes.

A group using the name, identity, facilities, internal communication channels, or other resources of a company, school, college, university, sports club, healthcare organization, government agency, faith organization, homeowners association, or another existing organization must be created by that organization or with its permission.

An Individual License does not, by itself, authorize a person to represent an organization.

Independent group formats are available within certain categories, including:

• Community;
• Senior Community;
• Military & Veterans;
• Faith Community;
• Neighborhood & HOA.

The complete license description explains which independent and organization-connected formats are permitted in each category.

Contact NWANA before selecting an unrelated category.

NWANA will help determine whether an existing category can appropriately accommodate the group or whether an additional category should be developed.

Contact NWANA:
https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NWANANWGroups/Page/Contact-Us

An Individual License is connected with its selected category and, where applicable, a particular organization or community.

A separate Individual License in the appropriate category may be required if you want to participate in developing a group connected with a different category or organization.

Each Nordic Walking Group established through the NWANA system can receive a dedicated website.

The website can begin as a simple introduction to a newly forming group and gradually develop into an operational platform for participant registration, programs, events, competitions, ticket sales, fundraising, communications, volunteers, sponsors, merchandise, reporting, and financial management.

Creation of the initial group website is included with the free initial Nordic Walking Group License.

Standard payment processing, registration, ticketing, or other transaction fees may apply when the group activates tools involving financial transactions.

No.

A new group does not need every available tool on its first day. NWANA will help activate resources in a practical order based on the group’s actual participants, activities, readiness, and goals.

A group may begin with a website, basic group information, a contact method, an initial participant list, and a simple activity schedule. Additional resources can be introduced as the group develops.

During the initial development stage, NWANA creates the website and helps establish its structure and connected resources. Group leaders provide information about the group, its participants, schedule, programs, and activities.

As the group develops and assumes greater responsibility, it may receive expanded administrative capabilities within the NWANA system.

Yes.

A group may develop a local identity and customize its website while following NWANA branding standards.

A group connected with another organization must also have permission to use that organization’s name, logo, images, and other identifying materials.

A group may establish an approved local membership or participation structure and offer local benefits appropriate to its activities.

A local group membership does not replace an Individual License and must not be represented as an NWANA-issued license.

Any paid local membership program must use an approved registration and financial structure.

No.

A Nordic Walking Group License does not automatically create a corporation, nonprofit organization, tax-exempt entity, business license, or separate legal entity.

If a group needs a particular legal or organizational structure, its leaders are responsible for establishing that structure and complying with applicable requirements.

Yes.

A group may grow from a small local community into a larger operation providing regular programs, education, events, competitions, fundraising, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and other approved Nordic Walking activities.

Growth must remain consistent with the group’s license category, leadership capacity, professional qualifications, organizational permissions, and NWANA standards.

Yes.

A group may organize recurring or occasional walks, training sessions, meetings, introductory activities, and other community programs.

There is no weekly or biweekly activity requirement during the initial development stage. A regular and verifiable activity schedule becomes important when a group prepares to apply for RECOGNIZED Status.

Yes.

Free or paid classes, workshops, clinics, and training programs may be offered when they are conducted by appropriately qualified professionals and comply with NWANA standards, organizational permissions, venue requirements, insurance requirements, and applicable laws.

An Individual License alone does not qualify or authorize a person to teach Nordic Walking.

Yes.

A group may work with qualified NWANA instructors and coaches and encourage its participants to complete NWANA education programs.

The required qualification must be appropriate for the program, participant level, age group, and intended audience.

Visit NWANA Academy:
https://academy.nwaofna.org/

Yes.

Groups may organize walks, clinics, workshops, educational presentations, social activities, community events, volunteer projects, fundraising events, and other approved programs.

Requirements depend on the event’s format, audience, location, and relationship with any affiliated organization.

Yes.

Groups may develop local or virtual challenges, participation programs, online activities, and other remote formats.

These activities must be described accurately and conducted through the appropriate registration, result submission, safety, and communication structure.

Yes.

A group may develop local, regional, virtual, or in-person competitions. However, a Group License alone does not automatically make a competition an official or sanctioned NWANA event.

Depending on the competition, requirements may include:

• NWANA approval or sanctioning;
• qualified judges or an approved judging team;
• participant registration and waivers;
• appropriate permits and insurance;
• compliant competition rules;
• result verification and reporting.

Yes.

Individual License holders may participate in NWANA events and competitions according to the registration requirements and rules of each event.

Holders of NWANA Nordic Walking Groups Individual Licenses receive a 5% discount on NWANA competition registration fees.

Is an NWANA Nordic Walking Groups Individual License an Athlete License?

No.

Individual Licenses issued through the NWANA Nordic Walking Groups system are not athlete competition licenses.

If a separate Athlete License is required for a particular competition, that requirement will be stated in the event rules. Athlete Licenses are obtained through:

https://license.nwaofna.org/

Yes.

When appropriate, NWANA can help a group establish connected ticketed events for workshops, seminars, educational programs, community celebrations, fundraising events, awards events, and other activities.

Ticketing resources may include online ticket sales, payment processing, ticket confirmation, attendee management, check-in, merchandise options, and event reporting.

Groups may be able to sell approved merchandise and event-related items through their registration or ticketing systems.

Items may include group apparel, event merchandise, educational materials, approved Nordic Walking equipment, add-ons, and participant packages.

All sales must comply with NWANA policies, vendor agreements, branding requirements, organizational permissions, and applicable financial rules.

Yes.

Groups may recruit volunteers for walks, programs, events, competitions, fundraising, participant support, communications, and administration.

Available tools may include volunteer registration, roles, assignments, time slots, instructions, communications, and reports.

Yes.

Groups may develop approved relationships with businesses, schools, colleges, universities, healthcare organizations, Parks & Recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, sports organizations, military and veterans organizations, faith communities, government agencies, and other community partners.

A partnership with another organization does not authorize the group to represent that organization or use its identity and resources without permission.

Yes.

An independent or organization-connected group may work with municipalities, counties, Parks & Recreation departments, public health agencies, and other government organizations through an approved partnership or program.

The group may not use the name of a government agency or represent itself as an official government program without authorization.

Yes.

A group may generate revenue through approved programs, classes, workshops, events, competitions, ticket sales, local memberships, merchandise, sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, and other activities.

Revenue generated through a group’s activities belongs within the approved financial structure of the group. An Individual License does not give its holder a personal right to the group’s funds.

No.

NWANA administers only payments processed through the NWANA-created group website during the group’s initial development stage.

A group may independently obtain grants, sponsorships, donations, program fees, event revenue, merchandise revenue, and other lawful income through channels outside its NWANA-created website. NWANA does not receive, control, administer, claim, or take any portion of those independently obtained funds.

Those funds remain entirely under the group’s control and responsibility, subject to applicable law and any authorization required from an organization with which the group is affiliated.

A Nordic Walking Group may provide a foundation for paid programs and services, but the Group License is not a business license and does not guarantee revenue or profit.

The license does not provide:

• a separate legal entity;
• tax-exempt status;
• exclusive territorial rights;
• permission to use another organization’s identity or resources;
• professional teaching qualifications;
• exemption from applicable business, tax, insurance, permit, or employment requirements.

Any commercial activity must be appropriate for the group’s category and comply with NWANA policies and applicable requirements.

Yes.

Groups may build relationships with local businesses, institutions, foundations, healthcare organizations, community partners, and other sponsors.

Sponsor recognition may include approved website displays, logos, links, event visibility, offers, fundraising partnerships, in-kind support, and inclusion in group communications.

A local sponsorship does not automatically represent an endorsement by NWANA. Sponsorships must comply with NWANA standards and the requirements of any affiliated organization.

Fundraising and donation tools may be made available through the group’s website and connected event pages.

Groups may be able to create:

• fundraising campaigns;
• individual fundraisers;
• team fundraisers;
• fundraising goals;
• progress thermometers;
• donor communications;
• fundraising reports;
• sponsor-supported campaigns.

These tools must be established within the group’s approved organizational and financial structure.

Not automatically.

Whether a donation may qualify as tax-deductible depends on the legal and tax status of the entity receiving the funds, the purpose of the contribution, and applicable law.

A Group License does not give a group independent nonprofit or tax-exempt status. Groups must not promise a tax deduction unless the donation is being received through a structure authorized to make that representation.

During the initial development stage, only payments processed directly through the NWANA-created group website are received through NWANA’s payment account.

After NWANA operating expenses, the remaining funds received through that website are used to support that specific group’s website, programs, events, and continued development.

This arrangement applies only to payments processed through the NWANA-created group website. NWANA does not receive, control, administer, or claim any portion of money that the group raises or earns independently outside that website.

Funds obtained through the group’s own channels remain entirely under the group’s control and responsibility.

The group does not automatically receive its own payment account when its initial Group License is created.

After the group receives RECOGNIZED Status and completes the required financial preparation, payment-account setup, and verification, payments processed through its NWANA website will begin going directly to the group’s own verified payment account. NWANA will help the group prepare for this transition.

The group must be prepared to:

• establish and verify the payment account;
• provide required banking, organizational, and tax information;
• designate a person responsible for financial operations;
• maintain financial records;
• manage revenue, expenses, refunds, and disputes;
• comply with payment platform requirements;
• meet applicable financial and tax obligations;
• provide required reports to NWANA.

No.

Individual License fees are NWANA payments and do not go to the group’s payment account.

The annual $200 RECOGNIZED Group License fee is also an NWANA payment.

Standard payment processing, registration, ticketing, or transaction fees may apply when a group uses the corresponding platform tools.

The applicable fees and payment structure will be explained when those tools are activated.

RECOGNIZED Status

 confirms that a group is not merely registered within the NWANA system but is actively operating and prepared to assume greater responsibility.

A RECOGNIZED group has responsible leadership, regular and verifiable activities, appropriately qualified professionals, organizational readiness, safety procedures, and the ability to operate according to NWANA standards.

No.

RECOGNIZED Status is optional and must be applied for. It is not granted automatically when an Individual License or initial Group License is obtained.

A group may develop gradually and apply when it is ready.

Yes.

An initial group may begin attracting participants, developing its website, organizing appropriate activities, and building its leadership and professional structure before applying for recognition.

The group may not represent itself as a RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group until the status has been formally approved.

Requirements vary by category and activity, but a group must generally demonstrate:

• active participants with appropriate Individual Licenses;

• responsible group leadership;

• an active, current website;

• regular and documented activities;

• appropriately qualified instructors or other professionals;

• compliance with NWANA technical and safety standards;

• authorization from its affiliated organization, when required;

• readiness to organize appropriate events and competitions;

• financial readiness, including preparation for its own payment account;

• a plan for continued development.

NWANA reviews the group’s overall readiness and may request additional information based on its programs and audience.

https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NWANANWGroups/Page/Recognized-NW-Groups

A group must have at least one officially designated Group Director or Group Coordinator who assumes overall responsibility for its operations.

One qualified person may perform administrative, operational, and financial functions. As the group grows, these responsibilities may be distributed among additional leaders.

Not necessarily.

A group may establish a Group Leadership Committee or Board, but a separate board is not automatically required.

An organization-connected group may operate through the approved leadership structure of its parent organization. An independent group may develop a committee or board as its size and responsibilities increase.

Depending on its category and readiness, a RECOGNIZED group may receive:

• the right to identify itself as a RECOGNIZED NWANA Nordic Walking Group;
• expanded website administration;
• additional registration and communication resources;
• the ability to develop more advanced programs and events;
• support for organizing competitions;
• expanded collaboration with other RECOGNIZED groups;
• transition to its own verified payment account.

Specific capabilities depend on the group’s activities, qualifications, organizational structure, and available NWANA programs.

The annual NWANA Group License fee after RECOGNIZED Status is approved is $200.

The $200 fee applies to the group and does not replace the Individual Licenses required for its participants, leaders, or professionals.

Yes.

RECOGNIZED Status must be maintained and renewed annually.

The group must continue operating, maintain appropriate leadership and professional qualifications, keep its information current, confirm required organizational authorization, provide requested reports, pay the annual Group License fee, and correct any identified deficiencies.

RECOGNIZED Status may be suspended or revoked if the group stops operating, loses required leadership or qualified professionals, provides inaccurate information, improperly uses the NWANA name, or commits serious or repeated violations.

Visit the Resources and Technology page for a complete overview of the systems that can be developed for an NWANA Nordic Walking Group.

View Group Resources:
https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NWANANWGroups/Page/Resources

Contact NWANA before registering if you are uncertain about the correct license, category, organizational authorization, group format, payment structure, or development pathway.

Contact NWANA:
https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/NWANANWGroups/Page/Contact-Us