COALITION BUILDING 101

J E N N I F E R L Y N C H

C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H P R O M O T I O N S P E C I A L I S T

A R K A N S A S D E P A R T M E N T O F H E A L T H

1 6 0 6 P I N E G R O V E L A N E

H A R R I S B U R G , A R

J E N N I F E R . L Y N C H @ A R K A N S A S . G O V

WHAT IS A COALITION?An alliance of individuals, groups, parties or states that come together, join forces or form partnerships usually for a specific or common purpose.

A pact or treaty among individuals or groups, during which they cooperate in joint action, each in their own self-interest, joining together for a common cause.

ADVANTAGES OF A COALITION

The number of people who are involved

Implementation of varied activities & programs

Networking opportunities New ideas & energy to existing

programs Good source of information &

feedback Publicity for the program A distribution network

RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS

Target key community leaders Involve people whose jobs relate to the

work of the coalition Reach out to non-traditional partners in

the community Identify people who have a personal

interest Keep the size manageable Develop structure for efficiency &

effectiveness

RECRUITMENT PLAN Develop a formal plan Orient new membersPrior to first meeting explain the coalitions mission, vision and what their role will be as a member

New member packet/manualIntroduction & welcomingDebrief after first meetingEstablish a mentoring systemTraining to address individual needs

MAINTAINING THE COALITION

Celebrate victories both big & smallSuccess is the best way to keep people involved in your coalition

Keep people motivated & willing to carry on the campaign

Demonstrate what people can do

& what is in it for them

Run an effective, interesting, productive meeting:

Determine purpose & typeEstablish objective & develop an agendaFollow the agenda and begin & end on timeRecognize issues & agree on how to deal Encourage participation of all membersSummarize each agenda item as it is completed

Prepare & distribute minutesAct on or implement decisionsPlan follow-up meetings or activities

Ineffective Meeting

Effective Meeting

IS YOUR COALITION EFFECTIVE OR INEFFECTIVE?

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Manage resources effectively Allow time for buy-in to insure

interest Provide sufficient funding Keep moving forward despite

unwillingness

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.”

COMMUNICATION Send meeting minutes

Send news clippings or articles

Produce newsletters/brochures

Ask your member what they

expect

“Communication is not the key, the key is

understanding what was communicated”Charlotte Strickland