Every coalition needsa jolt of new energy from time to time, and that boost often comes as theresult of rethinking a strategy or gaining new insights with advice fromveteran coalition workers. Here are 10 Lessons from coalitions that facilitatedreal change in their communities.
Lesson 1: Establish Realistic, Basic Goals
Source: The Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community, Miami, FLA
Establish at theoutset which circumstances of a problem situation are contributing factors thatabsolutely need to be addressed. For example, to reduce drug use, one goal willnecessarily be to change the perceived harmfulness of drug use. If kids aren'taware of what harm can come to them with drugs, they won't be afraid to trythem. Thus, every anti-drug coalition probably needs to devote at least part ofits energies to community education.
Lesson 2: Work with Public Officials to Change Public Policy
Source: Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Troy, MI
Every coalition needsa strong relationship with public officials. Having key figures from varioussectors of government involved helps ensure the strength of a coalition'svoice.
This is a win-winsituation: Decision-makers need votes and publicity; your coalition needs theirsupport in changing public policies and getting laws passed. Don't be shy.Learn which officials have an interest in your goals, and enlist their help.
Lesson 3: Match Your Strategy to the Community's
Source: Franklin County Prevention Institute, Columbus, OH
Coalition leaders andtheir groups need to guard against getting caught up in the power strugglewithin a community. Keep centered and maintain the coalition's focus.
Lesson 4: You Cannot Be All Things to All People
Source: Midlands Prevention Alliance Fighting Back, Columbia, SC
Narrow your scope.It's essential that every coalition do a needs assessment and target the mostcritical areas to work on based on the results of the research. Trying to dotoo much is a common mistake that young, overly ambitious coalitions make.
Lesson 5: Stay Connected with the People Around You
Source: Los Angeles Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Los Angeles, CA
Think broadly and stayinformed about political, economic and social issues in your community. Beaware of any relationship that might exist between these issues and the goalsyou are working towards. By staying up-to-date on news in your locale, you willensure a more "aware" and effective coalition.
Lesson 6: Three Ingredients for a Successful Coalition
Source: Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Planning, planning,planning. A thorough baseline evaluation of community needs is crucial to tracka coalition's progress. By tracking your progress you will realize when thecoalition is veering off course, and you can correct your position and proceedaccordingly.
Lesson 7: Consistency Sends a Strong Message
Source: San Bernardino Communities Against Drugs, San Bernardino, CA
Maintain the integrityof your message by following the needs of the community instead of followingthe available funding. Too many coalitions, out of genuine need, get caught upin changing their focus and their mission in order to obtain money.
Lesson 8: Be Creatively Business-like
Source: San Antonio Fighting Back, San Antonio, TX
Businesses often haveto do whatever is necessary to succeed, and this creative approach can betransferred to coalition work. Populate your group with determined,strong-willed people who are willing to think creatively, dig deep, andapproach problems in an innovative way.
Lesson 9: Give Credit Where Credit is Due
Source: Vallejo Fighting Back Partnership, Vallejo, CA
Providing praise and acknowledgment to members' work is a key ingredient to the success of acoalition. The wise coalition will value its assets (its members) above allelse and develop them by training them for leadership.
Lesson 10: Educate with a Clear Picture of the Problem
Source: Regional Drug Initiative, Portland, OR
Recognize early on theimportance of presenting an accurate, detailed picture of the local substanceabuse problem in order to build community support and assure widespreadinvolvement. Advocate issuing regular "reports" to the community,including suggestions about how to get involved, and information about whom tocontact in connection with each problem described.
If you want moreinformation about how to improve your coalition, contact CSAP'sModel Programs. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (acomponent of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)offers coalitions model programs descriptions, materials on how to implementand evaluate local programs, training and technical assistance from veteranprogram developers, as well as links to funding resources.
source: www.helpyourcommunity.org