Implementing a healthy communities project is the next step after community members come together to develop an action plan. The Washington Healthy Communities model emphasizes the importance of:

• Commitment of both the local public health agency and city government - example

• A clear vision and set of priorities developed by a broad base of community members and key policy makers - example

• Dedicated time for a project coordinator -  minimum 15 hours a week. The most effective coordinator knows the politics and culture of the community, is well respected, comfortable engaging new partners, and willing to share the leadership role and mentor new leaders - position description (WORD 36 KB)

• Leadership team to provide project direction and oversight - description

• Ongoing education with community members and policy leaders on why policy and environmental changes are necessary for people to be able to be physically active and choose healthy foods - example

• Measuring progress - example 

• Thinking about sustaining efforts from the beginning of the project - example 

Lessons learned

• Start with low hanging fruit - early success energizes the community and develops trust

• Take time to celebrate successes and share your work with the community

• Expect challenges and setbacks - they can be a learning experience

• Be invested for the long haul - policy and environmental changes take time and patience but are sustainable in the long term

• Be patient - it takes time to develop relationships, learn the language and culture of transportation agencies and local governments, and change policy

• Keep the focus on your priorities but be open to new opportunities

Example

The Spokane Healthy Communities Project  is rich in lessons learned in making community change - lessons

Sample tools and agendas

Meeting agenda (WORD 25 KB)
Meeting evaluation form (WORD 36 KB)
Community feedback (WORD 23 KB)

Resources

Washington State Nutrition & Physical Activity Plan

Partners in Action - showcases initiatives and resources in Washington

University of Kansas Tool Kit - essential skills for building healthy communities

Healthy Communities Tool Kit: A Policy Guide for Public Health Practitioners & Their Partners - Michigan Department of Community Health

The Praxis Project - capacity building, technical assistance, research, and training for community-based policy change

City of Moses Lake

City of Mount Vernon

City of Marysville

Chapter 2►

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