Making change in community environments and social norms requires the involvement and buy-in of many partners. Using the strategies below, the Healthy Communities Projects sought out, listened to, and engaged a variety of partners. They were successful because they were able to:

• Step outside the comfort zone of public health to learn the language of city planners and developers - example

• Involve diverse community members - example

• Communicate with the community about successes and new opportunities - example

• Sustain an active leadership group and advisory committee - example

• Recruit volunteers to carry out the action plan - example

• Pay special attention to partners in the position to influence policy change - example

• Keep the focus on the action plan and policy and environmental change by continuing to educate community and key policy makers - example

Lessons learned

• Focus on smaller cities or neighborhoods within a large metropolitan area

• Be comfortable making personal contacts with city planners, school administrators, and community advocates

• It’s all about building relationships and trust - who should care about this work but doesn’t know it yet

Example

Puyallup Safe Routes to School - lessons

Sample tools and agendas

Communication plan (WORD 57 KB)
Walkable Community comment card (PDF 73 KB)
Potential partners for physical activity and nutrition coalitions (WORD 33 KB)
Partner invitation letter (WORD 44 KB)

Resources

Building Diverse Community Based Coalitions

Healthy Eating & Physical Activity: Addressing Inequities in Urban Environments

How to Create and Implement Healthy General Plans – tool kit for city planners and public health advocates

Obesity in Latino Communities

Steps to a Healthier Clark County Washington

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