The document outlines the concept of coalition building, defining it as an alliance formed among individuals or groups for a common purpose. It discusses the advantages of coalitions, including increased participation, diverse activities, and networking opportunities, while also offering strategies for recruitment, maintaining engagement, and ensuring effective meetings. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of communication and adaptability in overcoming obstacles to sustain coalition efforts.

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. RECRUITMENT PLAN
 Develop a formal plan
 Orient new members
Prior to first meeting explain the coalitions
mission, vision and what their role will be as a
member
New member packet/manual
Introduction & welcoming
Debrief after first meeting
Establish a mentoring system
Training to address individual needs

6. MAINTAINING THE COALITION
Celebrate victories both big & small
Success 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

8. Run an effective, interesting, productive meeting:
Determine purpose & type
Establish objective & develop an agenda
Follow the agenda and begin & end on time
Recognize issues & agree on how to deal
Encourage participation of all members
Summarize each agenda item as it is completed
Prepare & distribute minutes
Act on or implement decisions
Plan follow-up meetings or activities

9. Ineffective Meeting Effective Meeting
IS YOUR COALITION
EFFECTIVE OR

10. 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.”

11. 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