Tips and Tools for Success

We can make progress together if locals everywhere work on similar strategies, tailored to their communities. Get started with our resources and recommendations.

Key Strategies

Key Assets

Tools and Resources

STRATEGIES EVERY COMMUNITY SHOULD CONSIDER

Complete Streets

Transportation policies that make streets safe and accessible for all users. More

Healthy Community Design

Human scale places and nodes of development where it is safe, pleasant and feasible to walk, bike, wheel and/or take transit. More

Safe Routes to School

Programs, policy and infrastructure allowing children to walk, bike and wheel safely to school. More

Places to Play and Be Active

Safe, easy, affordable access to parks and recreational areas that encourage free play as well as structured programming. More

Walk/Bike Networks

Sidewalks, bike lanes and trails that connect destinations; policies and plans to put them in place. More

TOOLS AND RESOURCES WE LOVE

Active Communities Toolkit

Developed by WI Dept of Health Services. Resources, guidance, case studies encompass all WACA-recommended strategies.

Community Engagement Assessment Toolkit

Nexus Partners created a user-friendly worksheet for groups to examine at engagement practices.

Equity Impact Analysis - Fast Track Tool

City of Madison developed a tool to center equity for projects of limited timeline or impact.

The Community Toolbox

Developed by Kansas University, this is the go-to resource to take action and train others on community development.

Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities

Active Living Research brief provides evidence-based guidance and tools for rural communities.

Economic Development 1-pgr

WACA created a one-pager to help local health champions connect with economic development partners in their communities.

Equity Impact Analysis - Comprehensive Tool

City of Madison developed a tool to center equity on policies, plans, programs and budgets.

What Works for Health

UW Population Health Institute's database analyzes and compares policies and programs by their evidence-based effectiveness.

WI Health Atlas

The WI Health Atlas connects community health champions to the local data they need to take action.

Liberating Structures

Tools and processes for facilitating inclusive and dynamic group meetings.

Racial Equity Toolkit

The national Government Alliance on Race and Equity developed a toolkit to help organizations put equity priorities into practice.

5 ASSETS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Coalition

Diverse group working on active communities strategies, made up of advocates, residents with lived experiences and professionals from many backgrounds (e.g., health, transport, planning, zoning, economic dev., parks & rec, schools, etc.)

Coordinator

Ideally incorporated into someone's job, housed anywhere (e.g., health, planning, parks, transportation, non-profit, hospital, etc.). The role can be paid or volunteer (initially).

Strategic Plan

Identifies your goals, objectives and activities. Puts them in writing so that you can measure progress and track success.

Communication & Engagement

Building awareness via outreach and authentic participation with community members is a crucial part of the effort.

Community Support

Engaged people and organizations in the community need to share their experiences and perspectives with decision makers.