Lynn’s Communities that Care Coalition: Building Capacity for Successful Community Initiatives Presented By: Laura Hillier, MPH; Rebecca Osborn MSW, MPH September 23, 2009

Context for Training Review –CTC Survey 2009 Future Directions…

A coalition is an organization of individuals representing diverse organizations, factions, or constituencies who agree to work together in order to achieve a common goal.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY COALITION’S PURPOSE?

Coalitions VARY in their PURPOSE… Information exchange/networking Addressing community crisis/need Coordinating existing services and resources Implementing of joint programs Outreach and/or advocacy Building community support for policy change

CTC Mission/Purpose CTC 's mission is to promote a safe, healthy, and substance abuse free environment that supports positive youth, family, and community development.

CTC Executive Committee Team Leaders: SCI & City Hall-Health Neighborhood & Community Development Rep Steve Walsh, Gordon College Team Leaders: Project Cope & FCS Family Support Team Leaders: Girls Inc & Lynn Police Environmental Strategies Media/Marketing

WHO SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR COALITION? That all depends…

“The strength of a coalition is really the SUM of the capacities of its MEMBERS. Seeking a broad representation of active members and maintaining an open door are critical to coalition success.” -Tom Wolff

People SUPPORT What they HELP to CREATE

Coalition: Purpose: MembersMember Roles Recruitment & Participation WHO needs to be involved? WHY should they be involved? HOW do you get them involved? WHO should get them involved? Membership Brainstorming Activity

Recruitment Personal relationships Interest surveys Responding to a need Showing a benefit Securing a commitment Increasing exposure Offering a product Orientation Mission Logistics Other members Goals Projects

Participation: The 6 R’s Recognition Respect Role Relationship Reward Results

Working Agreements (aka “ground rules”) Coalition Vision/Mission Action Plan/Work Plan Engage the Community Dialogue Boxes Effective Facilitation Worthwhile meetings Celebrate!! TOOLS to “Get the Job Done”

Respect other ideas Communicate respectfully (One speaker at a time) No side conversations Take risks Check your assumptions Be willing to compromise Participate as fully as possible Working AGREEMENTS (Examples…)

Objective: What will be done? Example – To throw a fun & spooky Halloween party ACTION Plan/WORK Plan Action Step How will it be done? Timeline When will it be done? Role Who will do it? Partners Who else should be involved, informed? “Things to Consider” What are the assets, resources, limitations? Assessment How will you assess what has been done? Decorate the house October 30 th (Thursday) Myself and my kids Next door neighbor Good ideas in magazines, craftiness Feedback from guests

Engage the Community Insight Ownership & investment Networks

Effective Facilitation Process vs. Product Conflict Resolution Different strategic pathways to desired outcomes/results

PREPARATION *Agenda Minutes Follow up Planning NETWORKING & RELATIONSHIPS “Talk time” Introductions & connections ACCOMPLISHMENT Worthwhile Meetings

Storming NormingPerforming Evolving/ Ending Forming STAGES of Coalition Development

Assess coalition at regular intervals Revisit mission/goals annually Update workplan as needed Future directions reviewed/modified every two years Be amenable to change at all levels “CHECKING In”

CELEBRATE/MEMBER RECOGNITION

Turf issues/competition Process vs. product Conflicts of interest Disputes over resource allocation Not adapting to changes in the environment Weak leadership CHALLENGES to Collaboration

BARRIER BUSTERS

Avoid jumping straight to solutions - Spend time on the “how” not just the “what” Look for allies among diverse groups On-going planning and evaluation of coalition processes Create short-term goals that allow for frequent success. Then celebrate accomplishments whenever possible Remember, long-term change takes time and persistence Other Coalition PRINCIPLES to Keep in Mind…

Silent Brainstorm: What Next? 1.Think of other skills you would like to develop as a member of CTC? 2.What other needs does coalition have related to training/support? ** Over the next year

Review KEY HANDOUTS Evaluation

massachusetts centers for The Northeast Center for Healthy Communities 1 Canal Street Lawrence, MA phone fax