Mobilizing Communities

Working at the community level has its challenges. Community organizers might ask themselves the following question: How can I make my community care? There are several steps you can take to mobilize your community on the issue of tobacco. Throughout the process, it is important to involve the community in the development and implementation of the program.

Ground yourself in the community. Identify community leaders and cultivate relationships within your community. Mobilize a community task force or coalition, representative of the community you are working with.
Conduct a community assessment. Find out what is important to your community, learn about your community's attitudes and beliefs about tobacco, and find ways to relate tobacco issues to their concerns.
Assess your allies and competitors. Sometimes finding one advocate or "champion" in your community can make all the difference in moving an issue forward in your community. Reach out to non-traditional partners, or those not normally involved in tobacco or health issues; the broader the coalition, the wider the potential support you will get.
Identify goals and objectives. Refer to your community assessment to see what your community's needs are. Brainstorm ideas that will incorporate your interests into how you deliver your message.
Develop an action plan. The action plan will define your vision and goals, identify key steps, partners and resources, and potential challenges.