APPEAL Community Readiness Model

The APPEAL Community Readiness Model[i] provides a framework for which communities can assess their readiness to engage in different aspects of tobacco control or other health equity issues. Adapted from the Transtheoretical Model of assessing individual behavioral change, the Community Readiness Model provides a continuum on which a community can move from a pre-contemplation stage to a maintenance stage in relation to addressing tobacco control issues. This model helps to identify stage-appropriate technical assistance and training (TAT) needed to support the movement of a community along the continuum of change. Used for assessment purposes, this model is intended to be fluid, dynamic, and adaptable with great benefit particularly in the areas of capacity building and infrastructural development.

The Community Readiness Model has been used to assess the readiness of many local Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities in the U.S. and the Pacific Islands. It has also been adapted for other communities of color, LGBT communities and for Puerto Rico.

The APPEAL Community Readiness Model has been very useful in creating a baseline assessment of a community’s readiness level on comprehensive tobacco control and then documenting incremental change observed. As a simple self-assessment tool, it allows communities to identify their priority areas and document success.


Lew R, Tanjasiri SP, Kagawa-Singer M, Yu JH. Using a stages of readiness model to address community capacity on tobacco control in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.