Stronger Together: Using the Power of Partnerships to Build Active Communities

Creating more active communities requires coordinated action across multiple sectors. While no single organization can tackle the complex barriers to physical activity alone, the combined efforts of community organizations, government agencies, and businesses can create transformative changes for community members. Community organizations bring grassroots connections and program expertise; government agencies provide essential infrastructure and policy framework, and businesses contribute resources and innovation that amplify community-wide impacts. When these three sectors align their efforts, they can create an environment where physical activity becomes accessible, sustainable, and integrated into daily life. This collaborative approach addresses barriers from multiple angles, making it possible for people of all ages and backgrounds to lead healthier, more active lives. 

Community Organizations 

Nonprofit organizations offer trusted community connections. Youth sport and movement programs illustrate the power of collaboration in action. National organizations like Girls on the Run and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association rely on corporate sponsors at the national-level, but their impact depends on local partnerships in the form of volunteer coaches, school and community spaces, and local business sponsorships. When a city invests in safe trails, a business sponsors local running groups, or a school district collaborates with youth-focused nonprofits, the impact multiplies: more people move, families connect, and communities thrive. These collaborative models demonstrate that when organizations align their strengths, they can reduce barriers, promote lasting behavior change, and build active communities for all. 

Government Agencies 

Government agencies play a critical role in creating infrastructure and policies making active living accessible for entire communities. At the local level, parks and recreation departments can transform or repurpose under-utilized spaces into useable activity hubs (i.e., playgrounds, courts/fields, outdoor community gyms), while transportation departments can influence an area’s build environment by increasing community walkability and commutes with sidewalks, greenways, bike lanes, and bike-sharing programs. The combination of state and federal funding provides crucial support to ensure these initiatives are implemented and successful.  

Additionally, public health sectors can advocate for policy changes, community engagement, and education to minimize or eliminate barriers by facilitating safe and accessible opportunities for engaging in physical activity. By leveraging resources, these agencies can scale successful initiatives to create long-lasting change that provides opportunities for community members to freely engage in physical activity across the lifespan. One initiative of note is Active People, Health Nation^SM led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goal of this initiative is to implement evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity for over 27 million Americans by 2027. Providing the infrastructure in communities across the nation for individuals to have equitable access to safe areas for engaging in physical activity can facilitate healthy lifestyles, reduce rates of chronic illness, and provide connection to the community. 

Businesses 

The private sector brings innovation, resources, and reach that can amplify community wellness initiatives. Forward-thinking businesses recognize that healthier communities result in a healthier workforce and clientele. Many companies sponsor community fitness events, the construction and/or maintenance of walking trails and bike paths, and support local youth and adult league sport programs. For employees, companies have implemented workplace wellness programs (WWPs) that offer discounted gym memberships or fitness classes, and organize company teams for community charity runs or sports leagues. One study conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of workplace wellness programs, implemented over an average duration of 13.3 months, on improving dietary behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors. They found that WWPs improved fruit consumption, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol. While there are further areas for improvement, WWPs also provide a framework for starting to implement healthy lifestyle changes as well as foster a sense of community across employees. 

The power of community partnerships lies in the ability to create change that no single sector can achieve in isolation. When community organizations leverage their trusted relationships, government agencies create built environments and policies, and businesses invest resources and innovation, the result is a comprehensive ecosystem that promotes active living. From national nonprofit programs supported by local sponsors, to federally funded initiatives, and workplace wellness programs that improve employee health, these collaborations are a great start to implementing sustainable change. As communities continue to face changes and barriers to living healthy active lifestyles, the partnerships between these three sectors offer a proven pathway forward – one that transforms environments, reduces barriers, and makes physical activity an accessible reality for millions of Americans. 

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