Gaining Public Support for Addressing Community Health and Development Issues

What do we mean by gaining public support for addressing community health and development issue? Convincing people of the issue's relevance to them and the community, so that they'll understand that addressing it is their responsibility and that of the community as a whole, so that they'll get behind an effort to address the issue.

Why should you gain public support for addressing community health and development issues? Public support lends credibility to your campaign for community change. The more support you gain, the more you'll continue to garner. You need support for any action you take. If you're striving for a political goal you need the strength of numbers. Public support means that the community has taken ownership of the issue.

Whose support do you need? Community leaders and other influential individuals. Media representatives. People most affected by the issue. Policy makers. Activists. Opinion leaders.

How do you gain public support for addressing community health and development issues? Frame the issue properly. Enlist respected community members as representatives and spokespersons. Make common cause with other groups Become the authority. Take advantage of opportunities. Use the media. Use the Internet. Gain support one individual and organization at a time, as well as aiming at large numbers.

How do you gain public support for addressing community health and development issues? (cont.) Ask people to do something, rather than just telling them about the issue. Create activities or events that highlight the issue, and also involve the public. As your support grows, demonstrate it at every opportunity. Recognize and give awards to community members who do things to affect the issue and demonstrate their support for your work. Celebrate accomplishments publicly. Cede control of the effort to the community, if that's feasible. Follow up and maintain support.