A communication analysis of community mobilization on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation

This article is an analysis of the community mobilization process used at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation as part of a health education campaign. Using the community education model proposed by Freire (1970), it examines the techniques employed to involve community members in radio, print, and public speaking fora, as well as the interpersonal interviews and listening techniques employed by the educators to gain entree to the community. Credibility emerged as a major issue to be addressed in the mobilization process. Other findings include the value of involving community leaders, persistence, and frankness. Caution is urged in implementing the Freirian model without regard to unique community traditions and relationships.