Developing a Productive Workgroup Within a Community Coalition: Transtheoretical Model Processes, Stages of Change, and Lessons Learned

Progress in Community Health Partnerships : Research, Education, and Action
Heather A FinneganMatt Allison

Abstract

Addressing complex problems such as health disparities requires collaboration among individuals and agencies. Yet, methods by which productive and cohesive community-based volunteer workgroups are developed and activated to improve health outcomes are often not discussed. Using the transtheoretical model (TTM) as a framework, we discuss effective processes for developing an action-oriented community-based workgroup committed to producing evidence-based information relevant to health policy. Workgroup members answered open-ended survey questions and participated in focused coalition-wide discussions to identify factors that facilitated movement of the embedded workgroup from precontemplation to committed action. Frequency and content of e-mail exchanges and workgroup meetings were also considered.Results and Lessons Learned: Activating the group's process of social support or helping relationships was essential throughout the stages of change to promote cohesion and trust. Consciousness raising (awareness), and dramatic relief (emotional arousal) were particularly critical for initial movement from precontemplation to contemplation to preparation. Using group time to promote member's self-reevaluation (how work is relevant) and ...Continue Reading

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