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What is the
Healthy Communities approach to community development?
The Healthy Communities approach is based on the premise that health
is more than the absence of disease, and that social and environmental
conditions play an important role in determining a population’s health
and overall quality of life. Based on recent scholarship, there is evidence
that strong communities enjoy better health than those with less interaction
and internal support—broad participation is important. At the vanguard
of this approach are Tyler Norris, John Gardner, Len Duhl and Trevor Hancock.
These scholars collectively refer to the approach as the "communities
movement," and emphasize two key elements: mutual support and broad
community participation.
There are numerous environmental, political and social factors that have
influenced the development of the healthy communities approach and forged
its philosophical underpinnings. Here are a few of those influencing factors
and the underlying concepts that form the foundation of today’s Healthy
Communities approach:
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Cross boundary work is very important and it is essential to bring
a new emphasis on risk-taking, outcomes orientation and sustainability
into the civic sphere.
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Taking care of the common good is a vital element.
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This approach requires a whole systems perspective. Tyler writes,
"No one is in charge, there are few limits, and no one is holding
anyone back. And while there are national and global organizations
spurring their development, and large networks forming rapidly via
the web, at its core it remains a locally-driven phenomenon."
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There are distinct patterns embedded in the most effective of these
community-based partnerships, collaboratives and local movements.
The patterns demonstrate community's renewed commitment to shaping
their own local and regional futures, and practicing collaborative
resource sharing methodologies to get there. They highlight a desire
to engage and build the capacity of leadership from all corners of
society, and model inclusive dialogue and broad-based engagement practices
despite their focus on diverse issue and themes - these cross cutting
patterns to a great extent defines their relationship (for more information
on these patterns, see the Seven Patterns of a Healthy Community
article cited below.)
Healthy Communities approach uses a "Community Change Model."
The core design principles of Norris’ Community Change Model or as
he calls them "defining characteristics of the most effective community-based,
multi-sectoral change initiatives," are as follows:
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Use a broad definition of "community"
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Create a compelling vision from shared values
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Embrace a broad definition of "health" and well-being"
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Address quality of life for everyone
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Engage diverse citizen participation and widespread community ownership
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Focus on "systems change" (As Norris states, "This
is about changing the way people live and work together. It is about
how community services are delivered, how information is shared, how
local government operates and how business is conducted. It's about
resource allocation and decision-making, not just doing "nice"
projects.")
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Build capacity using local assets and resources
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Benchmark and measure progress and outcomes
As Norris states, "Truly healthy communities help unleash human
potential. They provide the foundation for trust and relationship. They
bestow a sense of place, identity and belonging. They mobilize creativity
and resources towards a shared vision for the future. Healthy Communities
both call for and nurture inspired leadership. They seek and reward diverse
voices and sustained action for common good."
For more information on this approach readers are encouraged to visit
the Community Initiatives website listed below.
Other Related Documents and Websites:
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Community Initiatives helps organizations, corporations and community
collaborations shape change and accelerate results. The site contains
dozens of articles and other material written about the historical
development and current state of the Healthy Communities approach.
Visit them on the web at www.communityinitiatives.com/pubs/fcc.html.
Please contact the Northeast CAPT at capt@edc.org
for more information.
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