1. Gaining Public Support for Addressing Community Health and Development Issues

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. When should you try to gain support?
Community leaders and other influential individuals
Media representatives
People most affected by the issue
Policy makers
Activists
Opinion leaders

6. 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

7. 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