TABLE 2—

Political Will in the Bridges From Knowledge to Action Model

Bridges From Knowledge to Action Model Phase	Primary Role of Political Will	Examples
Phase 1: Gathering Information	Apply political will to increase knowledge base	Legislatures request hearings on issue Policymakers request report on a health issue Government establishes a surveillance system Request increased research funding Community agrees to participate in research and dialogue about issue
Phase 1.5: Preparing to Develop a Strategy	Build political will to make an actionable strategy on the basis of scientific evidence	Identify influential “champions” for prevention Establish coalition or task force to address issue Use media interviews and opinion editorials to increase public awareness Hold public forums inviting citizen comment Lobby or testify on issue
Phase 2: Drafting the Strategy	Apply political will to craft the social strategy	Government and citizen groups join a coalition Identify leadership with conflict resolution skills, to facilitate participatory process Secure financial and social resources for process Policy entrepreneurs fit the strategy into political and economic context Groups take ownership and responsibility for strategy implementation
Phase 2.5: Preparing for Action	Assess and develop the political will necessary for implementation	Environmental scans and community analysis to identify needs, assets, and local opinion leaders (formal and informal) Assess community readiness and capacity Educate decisionmakers about the need for a long-term perspective on changing public health Preimplementation feedback from key stakeholders (target population, health professionals, public health practitioners)
Phase 3: Taking Action	Apply political will to implement plans	Cultivate interagency cooperation, community coalition, or advisory board Use media campaigns for public education and supporting prevention initiatives Citizens volunteer as peer providers or health educators Legislation or adoption of new policies and regulations Ongoing support by funding, training, and technical assistance
Phase 3.5: Evaluation	Develop political will for sustaining programs by using new knowledge	Community demand for accountability Disseminate information about process and outcome results in professional and lay outlets Funders request plans for sustainability Policymakers consider effect of recent policies and possible amendments