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Chapter 4. Getting Issues on the Public Agenda >
Section 3. Gaining Public Support for Addressing Community H... >
Gaining Public Support for Addressing Community Health and Development Issues |
Tools & Checklists | Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Val Renault |
Checklist
What do we mean by gaining public support for addressing community health and development issues?
__ You know that community support for addressing an issue means that most people in the community see resolution of the issue as extremely important to the well-being of the community, and want to accomplish it as quickly and effectively as possible.
Why do you need public support for addressing community health and development issues?
__ You seek public support for community credibility.
__ You seek public support in order to gain more support.
__ You seek public support in order to take action on the issue.
__ You seek public support in order to accomplish political goals concerning the issue.
__ You seek public support to foster public ownership of solutions and their implementation.
Whose support do you need?
__ You seek the support of community leaders and other influential individuals.
__ You seek the support of representatives of the media.
__ You seek the support of those most affected by the issue.
__ You seek the support of policy makers.
__ You seek the support of community activists.
__ You seek the support of opinion leaders.
When should you try to gain support?
__ You seek support when there's a crisis involving the issue.
__ You seek support when the issue has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored.
__ You seek support when a critical number of people have been affected by the issue.
__ You seek support when new information calls attention to the issue.
__ You seek support when a publication or media story calls attention to the issue.
__ You seek support when a crucial event bring s the issue to the fore.
__ You seek support when the political time is right.
How do you gain public support for addressing community health and development issues?
__ You frame the issue carefully.
__ You enlist respected leaders and other members of the community as representatives and spokespersons.
__ You make common cause with other groups.
__ You establish yourself as the authority on the issue.
__ You take advantage of opportunities.
__ You use the media.
__ You use the Internet.
__ You gain support one individual and group at a time.
__ You ask people to do something specific.
__ You create activities and events to highlight the issue.
__ You demonstrate your broad base of support as often as possible.
__ You recognize and reward community members for their efforts.
__ You publicly celebrate your successes.
__ You cede control to the community if possible.
__ You follow up and maintain support.