"Pushing" physical activity, and justice.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Justice
• Community Organizing

Background:

• Growing recognition of environmental interventions to boost population physical activity.
• Obesity-related disparities are exacerbated by unequal distribution of activity resources.
• Need for advocacy to ensure equitable community benefits from environmental strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight successful community-based advocacy for equitable access to public resources.
• To demonstrate how activism can address obesity-related disparities.
• To inform future advocacy efforts for equitable development.

Main Methods:

• Case study of two community-based organizations in Southern California: The City Project and Latino Health Access.
• Documenting their successful efforts in mandating equitable access to public resources.
• Analysis of principles for equitable public land development.

Main Results:

• Successful mandate for equitable access to public resources was achieved by community organizations.
• These efforts are critical for reducing obesity-related disparities.
• Lessons learned provide a framework for future advocacy.

Conclusions:

• Community advocacy is effective in achieving equitable access to resources for physical activity.
• Equitable development principles are essential for public land use.
• Successful strategies can be replicated to address health disparities.