In recent years, this health metaphor has proved to be a gateway for citizen reengagement in community renewal. Community coalitions across the nation use an array of change models and planning processes to work together to achieve their vision of improved quality of life. In past decades, efforts to rally whole communities around issues such as economic development or better education have met with mixed results, and tended to attract narrow involvement. The healthy communities approach has proven itself highly effective in uniting disparate groups of people. Almost anyone can see an enlightened self-interest in working to create a healthier people in a healthier community.
Citizens see the prospect of safer neighborhoods and better living conditions.
Businesses see the potential for improved productivity, a more developed workforce, and lower social dysfunction costs. Governmental leaders see the development of community priorities and the cultivation of civic will. Health and social service providers see expanded partnership on issues they cannot solve alone. Healthy communities engage people meaningfully in the work of their communities in ways that allow them to experience success and see tangible results. Only through this kind of meaningful engagement can communities fully mobilize the willingness and capacity of citizens to create positive change.