People join coalitions to feel a sense of purpose and to have a meaningful role in the process. They want to establish relationships with fellow participants and the public that will provide support in future work. They also want visible results – outcomes that they can clearly link to their participation in the collaborative partnership.
Some coalitions are loose and informal, sharing information but maintaining their autonomy; others are organized with a specific name and structure (such as a committee of local community organizations that meets regularly to address a particular issue) and independent funds, resources and staff. It is important to understand the differences between these different types of coalitions in order to select the best approach for a given situation.
Recruiting new members is an important part of the coalition’s work. The more diverse the membership, the greater the opportunity for success. It is also helpful to identify obstacles that may be preventing participation levels and plan strategies to overcome them. This might include addressing concerns that are specific to the individual participants or their organizations; overcoming differences of opinion or perspective; avoiding a feeling of ‘founders vs. late-comers’; addressing issues of power and equity in decision making; and identifying and addressing barriers to participation that are outside the control of the coalition itself. Ultimately, the goal is to build a sustainable organization that can continue its work without reliance on a single person or group. This can be achieved by focusing on short-term goals, ensuring positive feedback and inclusiveness, and building trust.
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