Bookmark and Share

Table of Contents >
   Part B. Community Assessment, Agenda Setting, and Choice ... >
      Chapter 4. Getting Issues on the Public Agenda >
         Section 3. Gaining Public Support for Addressing Community H... >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

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.