A Framework for Building Effective Public Health Constituencies

Population-based health improvements that require behavioral and social change at the community level are dependent on effective constituency participation. To achieve needed constituency involvement, a public health leader must understand what motivates and moves constituents to action on public health issues. This article provides a framework and guidance on building effective constituent involvement to achieve community health improvement. Within this framework, aspects of managing the organizational practice of constituency building and community engagement are discussed and linked with current public health planning and mobilization models that support community-based health interventions.