Research

A selection of research and reports compiled by Grassroots Change about grassroots movements and related issues such as local public health authority.

Bare M, Zellers L, Sullivan PA; Pomeranz JL, Pertschuk M.Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. March/April 2019;25:101–103. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000000956.

This 4-part model provides a framework for strategies that have been used effectively by public health advocates, most notably in the tobacco control arena, who have countered and even repealed state preemption of local smoke-free policies since the late 1980s. An outgrowth of this success has been the creation of a culture in which state legislators feel increasingly uncomfortable undermining local democracy through preemption. 

Bishai, DM, Frattaroli S, Keshia M. Pollack KM. Editorial: Public Health Policies: Go Local! American Journal of Public Health: October 2013, Vol. 107 (5)672-674. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303682

Mark Pertschuk, Robin Hobart, Marjorie Paloma, Michelle A. Larkin and Edith D. Balbach, American Journal of Public Health, Published online ahead of print August 15, 2013: e1–e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301317)

Home fires account for 85% of fire deaths in the United States, the majority in 1- or 2-family homes lacking fire sprinklers. Since 1978, however, a grassroots movement has successfully promoted more than 360 local ordinances mandating sprinklers in all new residential construction, including 1- and 2-family homes. The homebuilding industry has responded by seeking state preemption of local authority, a strategy previously used by other industries concerned about protecting their profits. From 2009 through 2011, 13 states adopted laws eliminating or limiting local authority over residential fire sprinklers. This study of the residential sprinkler movement adds to our understanding of grassroots public health movements and provides additional evidence that preemption can have a negative impact on public health and safety. 

A 1-page handout on lessons from the grassroots fire prevention movement for advocates working on other public health and safety issues.

Nathanson CA.  New York: Russell Sage Foundation; 2007.

Lopipero, P & Bero, L. Tobacco Control. 2006 15: 323-332

Nathanson, CA. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law. 1999.

In this article, Dr. Nathanson uses social movement theory to compare the tobacco control and gun control movements, and draws lessons for the public health field.

Holms, AL & Davis, RM. Tobacco Control. 2004; 13 [Suppl 1]: i30-i36.

Frattaroli S.  J Public Health Policy. 2003;24(3/4):332-354.