C OALITION STRATEGIES By Jinx Hackler South Central Town Hall Caregiver Coalition

CHALLENGES IN GROWING AND MAINTAINING COALITIONS Economy/Funding Funding sources are harder to locate Reorganization or Closure of Agencies Involved Changes In Leadership Losing key members of Coalitions Changes In Company Policy Reduction in Caregiver support programs Less Staff More Work Budget cuts

STRATEGIES FOR GROWING AND MAINTAINING COALITIONS Clear Concise Vision and Mission Statements Everybody on the same page Review the Vision and Mission Statement Often Remember why you are there Review Goals and Objectives Often Build A Strong Foundation Encourage commitment and community support (AAA, Head Start Agencies, Veteran’s Service Offices, Retirement/Assisted Living Organizations, State Respite Programs, and Family Caregivers/Advocates) Mission of the Agency

Strong Leadership Me mbers need to be vested in the Vision and Mission Developing Outside Resources Locating meeting sites, refreshments, supplies, copy expenses, etc. Focusing On Recruiting At least once a year meet solely to discuss recruiting Host An Annual All Inclusive Coalition Event Network, Network, Network Polish up your elevator speech. STRATEGIES FOR GROWING AND MAINTAINING COALITIONS

“The bottom line for sustaining a coalition, would be the same for any community venture, that is, the capacity to act and have an impact on the community. Our experience is that long lasting coalitions keep on acting – visibly, energetically and effectively.” Tom Wolf of AHEC Community Partners Sustainability of Coalitions

HOW COALTIONS RECRUIT AND ENGAGE NEW MEMBERS? Appoint Committee To Locate Other Family Caregiver Agencies Awareness of Those Agencies Programming for caregivers How can we work together? Gather Input from Family Caregivers and Advocates Invite them to join Coalition Show Members the Benefits of Belonging to Your Coalition Getting your name out on brochures, newsletters, and special events. Year End Report to All Agencies Involved Show agency how the collaboration benefited their agency, their clients, and their community Yearly Recruitment Luncheon Members invite agency representatives, advocates, and family caregivers.

HOW COALITIONS NETWORK TO EXPAND THEIR REACH? Get Involved In Community Projects South Central Partnership, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, etc. Collaborate with State and Local Agencies Celebrate Caregiver Awareness Month Collaborate for State-Wide Caregiver Retreats Learn from Others Attend caregiver events, Health Fairs, Local community celebrations

HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER FOR A COMMON PURPOSE? Think Outside The Box Encourage non-like agency involvement local gym, police/fire department, doctors/chiropractor offices, massage therapists) Volunteer in Your Community E ncourage Coalition members and family caregivers to volunteer at local nonprofits

WHAT I LEARNED ON MY COALTION ADVENTURE Coalitions face the same challenges nationwide 1. Finding financial support for their Coalition 2. Finding the time to devote to Coalition Projects 3. Recruiting new members 4. Retaining current members Focusing on the “Positive” Side of Caregiving Coalitions celebrating the positives of caregiving Yearly “Caregiver Conversation” Programs Discussing the needs determines direction of programming

TURF IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD LET’S COLLABORATE, NETWORK, SHARE, AND WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL!