COALITIONS WORK A coalition is an alliance among individuals or groups, during which they cooperate in joint action, each in their own self-interest, joining forces together for a common cause.

Why form coalitions? Information transfer Collaboration Share resources Reduced redundancy Fun

Who to invite? School District managers Facilities managers, pest management coordinators, risk managers, food/nutrition managers, superintendents, nurse manager, special ed coordinator, custodial coordinator, grounds/ maintenance coordinator, PTA/PTO, Student council reps

University Faculty / local extension Tribal EPA, public works and/or counsel representatives. Pest management professionals SLA Department of Agriculture and/or Office of Pest Management Advocacy agencies, national and local. Department of Health Services State / County Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease experts Department of Environmental Quality Department of Education

Department of Education US EPA (local Region), US EPA Washington DC IPM Institute of North America Centers for Disease Control State Vet. Game and Fish Department Media

Coalition activities = Meetings Inspections Resource sharing Peer mentoring Communication on emerging issues and emergency response situations e.g. WNV, H1N1. Fund raising

Meetings 2-4 times a year $ if local (40-80 people) Coffee and bagels CUEs Use school location or extension facility Introduction and updates from all Hot topic expert Educate, communicate, build partnerships. 3-hour investment 2 days prep

Events 1-2 times a year $ if local (30-50 people) Coffee, bagels, water, lunch. CUEs Use school location Introduction and updates from all Hot topic expert Practical demo or exercise (e.g. inspections, pest monitoring and reporting, using baits, pest ID lab, plant trimming, etc. Educate, communicate, build partnerships. 6-hour investment; 1 week prep

Things I learned the hard way Coalitions function on a local level (<40 m) Any 1 person can only be an “expert” so many times Use school staff testimonial opportunities when ever possible Good media goes a long way Teach, do not instruct. Post information on websites, if you can not produce binders. Give-a-ways (e.g. reference books, UA hats, pens, water bottles) are great incentives.