Theory. Toward a healthy democracy

Because it represents a revival of citizen responsibility, the Healthy Communities movement is not only a health and quality-of-life movement but a civic and democratic movement as well.

Abstract

Because it represents a revival of citizen responsibility, the Healthy Communities movement is not only a health and quality-of-life movement but a civic and democratic movement as well. Healthy Communities efforts need to seek meaningful partnerships with local governments and work their collaborative and citizen-based efforts into formal local political structures. As the foundation of the Healthy Communities movement, civic renewal should be elevated as a major theme and goal for its future.