Coalition Building I: Starting a
Coalition
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
What is a coalition?
• A diverse group of individuals and organizations
who work together to reach a common goal.
• That goal often includes one of the following:
• Adapting, creating, or developing public policy.
• Influencing people's behavior.
• Building a healthy community .
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Why start a coalition?
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To address an urgent situation.
To control the future of the community.
To obtain or provide services.
For effective and efficient delivery of programs.
To pool resources.
To increase communication among groups.
To plan and launch community-wide initiatives.
To develop and use political clout.
To create long-term, permanent social change.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Barriers to starting a coalition
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Turf issues.
Bad history.
Domination by "professionals" or some other elite.
Poor links to the community.
Minimal organizational capacity.
Funding.
Failure to provide and create leadership within the
coalition.
• The costs of working together outweigh the benefits for
many coalition members.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Who should be part of a coalition?
• Stakeholders.
• Community opinion leaders.
• Policy makers.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
How do you start a community coalition?
• Put together a core group.
• Identify the most important potential coalition
members.
• Recruit members to the coalition.
• Plan and hold a first meeting.
• Follow up on the first meeting.
• Continue with other next steps.
• Use general guidelines for getting a coalition off
the ground.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas