Like any organization, the community planning process must have a clearly defined structure (e.g., committees) and function (e.g., operational procedures, meeting format, and communication networks). They should enhance the planning process by fostering a shared vision, mutual trust, willingness to work together, and a recognition and appreciation of differences among members. An organizational structure for the community planning process can consist of three partners: the community group, advisory steering committee, and local coordinator.

Community group:
Community group members are private citizens, political office holders, lay leaders, and representatives of service and social organizations, health organizations, private companies, and other groups. The community group should reflect the makeup of the community and contain members with the skills and qualities needed to carry out the program.

Steering committee:
The steering committee members are drawn from community group and local organizations and typically have responsibilities such as:

• Helping to identify resources
• Facilitating communication between working groups
• Chairing working groups for specific tasks

Local Coordinator:
The local coordinator facilitates the process and manages the day-to-day activities of the community planning process. The local coordinator assumes responsibilities for tasks such as:

• Advocating for the community planning process and gaining commitments
• Increasing awareness of obesity health issues within the community
• Arranging for and facilitating meetings
• Providing technical assistance
• Nurturing partnerships within and beyond the community
• Assuring that the process is managed and community ownership is maintained
• Helping to plan, carry out, and evaluate interventions
  

SUPPLEMENTS:

Community Demographics and Characteristics Census Tool and Profile

Key Stakeholders, roles, and contributions

Obesity Awareness and Action-Powerpoint presentation

Agency commitment letter