This booklet suggests the first steps communities can take in assessing their needs and resources and mobilizing public interest and support for health promotion. It is based on an approach to health education and community organization that recognizes the value of a highly visible, time-limited event, such as a health fair, a marathon, or an immunization campaign. Common shortcomings of health promotion programs are analyzed and a four-phase "healthy community system" model is described. Within each phase (start-up, involvement, installing change, and sustaining change), strategies for mobilizing individuals and groups in such a way that accounts for the sociocultural characteristics of each community are outlined. The importance of integrating the gains of any health promotion program into existing services, agencies, and community life is stressed. Appended to the booklet are: (1) a health practices and health consequences questionnaire; (2) a community support indicator; and (3) a community social analysis interview schedule. (GC)