Promoting shared learning, reflection, and broad engagement that improves community decision making and quality of life for all residents in the Worcester area. Over the last several years, community groups across the state have adopted the "healthy communities" approach as a methodology to improve the health and well being of the community. The first group, Pathways to Progress, had initiated a p
rocess in 2001 that focused on three principal issues identified through an analysis of quality of life indicators and then convened a community summit. Pathways to Progress then published "Benchmarks for Progress 2001: Communities of Central Massachusetts", which articulated a vision and provided quality of life indicators and action steps for three prioritized issues: affordable housing, workforce development, and child well-being. Soon afterwards, the Worcester Community Wellness Coalition/CHNA 8 voted to support action on these issues. Local hospital and HMO community benefit programs also embraced these issues as a focus for their distribution of funds. Seeking to avoid duplication, the two groups collaborated in forming the Worcester Healthy Communities Task Force, which is the planning group that developed Common Pathways. To facilitate these efforts coming together, we retained the consulting services of Tyler Norris, who is widely regarded as a founder of the Healthy Communities movement in the United States. Mr. Norris was Director of the US Healthy Communities Initiative while at the National Civic League from 1990-1995 and was the Founding Director of the US Coalition for Healthier Cities and Communities. Our efforts resulted in a new structure—Common Pathways—that capitalizes on the strengths of each parent organization, broadens community engagement, and enhances our ability as a community to effect positive change. We hope you will consider joining us to build a Common Pathway to a better Worcester for all!
