Tools and Resources
We can make progress together if locals everywhere work on similar strategies, tailored to their communities. Get started with our resources and recommendations.
Strategies Guide
Information and Resources including Pop-up strategies, awareness events, policy change and community building.
Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities
Active Living Research brief provides evidence-based guidance and tools for rural communities.
Economic Development
WACA created a one-pager to help local health champions connect with economic development partners in their communities.
Equity Impact Analysis - Comprehensive Tool
City of Madison developed a tool to center equity on policies, plans, programs and budgets.
What Works for Health
UW Population Health Institute's database analyzes and compares policies and programs by their evidence-based effectiveness.
"Play" Book for Individuals and Families: Cabin Fever Survival Guide
We're excited to share the new family version of our winter "play" book series! Together, with the Healthy Kids Collaborative, we created the Cabin Fever Survival Guide.
A report by Smart Growth America and National Complete Streets Coalition about road design and its negative impact on pedestrian safety.
Wisconsin Health Atlas
The WI Health Atlas connects community health champions to the local data they need to take action.
Liberating Structures
Tools and processes for facilitating inclusive and dynamic group meetings.
Racial Equity Toolkit
The national Government Alliance on Race and Equity developed a toolkit to help organizations put equity priorities into practice.
COVID Winter: An Active Living “Play” Book for Wisconsin
In collaboration with the Wisconsin Active Together Network, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin put together a Winter “Play” Book of events to help support active living this winter – a winter that we all know will be tougher than normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Active Communities Toolkit
Developed by WI Dept of Health Services. Resources, guidance, case studies encompass all WACA-recommended strategies.
Community Engagement Assessment Toolkit
Nexus Partners created a user-friendly worksheet for groups to examine at engagement practices.
Equity Impact Analysis - Fast Track Tool
City of Madison developed a tool to center equity for projects of limited timeline or impact.
The Community Toolbox
Developed by Kansas University, this is the go-to resource to take action and train others on community development.
Strategies Every Community Should Consider
Complete Streets
Transportation policies that make streets safe and accessible for all users.
Healthy Community Design
Human scale places and nodes of development where it is safe, pleasant and feasible to walk, bike, wheel and/or take transit.
Safe Routes to School
Programs, policy and infrastructure allowing children to walk, bike and wheel safely to school.
Places to Play & Be Active
Safe, easy, affordable access to parks and recreational areas that encourage free play as well as structured programming.
Walk/Bike Networks
Sidewalks, bike lanes and trails that connect destinations; policies and plans to put them in place.