ORGANIZING COMMUNITIES TO MOVE TOWARDS CHANGE

The goal of this Best Practices is to provide individuals with information that will result in the implementation of environmental prevention strategies at the local community level. Organizing the community to support environmental strategies is often essential to the implementation of environmental strategies. The discussion below provides some general guidance on community organizing. When organizing the community to implement environmental changes, consider the following steps:

Step 1: Build a Foundation. What is the overarching problem that has motivated your group to action? How do community members perceive the nature and the significance of the problem? Who does the problem affect and how? These questions should guide the development of vision and mission statements so as people join your effort, you can provide them with clear information about what you seek to accomplish. Begin to identify potential stakeholders, people who might share your opinions about the importance of the problem and display a commitment to do something about it.