Collaboration and Coalition Building Presented by Prevention Services of ETP Inc. and DMHAS’ Prevention Unit

Collaboration and Coalition Building for Effective Prevention Programming © 1999 Education Development Center, Inc.

What is it? n Coalition:A structured arrangement for cooperation and collaboration between otherwise unrelated groups or organizations in which each group retains it identity, but all agree to work together toward a common, mutually agreed upon goal.

Why is it important? n Mandatory collaboration with school superintendents. n Cultural Competence n Collaboration

What is it? Collaboration:A process to reach goals that cannot be achieved acting singly (or at a minimum, cannot be reached as efficiently). As a process, collaboration is a means to an end, not an end itself. The desired end is more comprehensive and appropriate prevention services that improve prevention outcomes.

A Coalition Is... A group of community systems, programs, offices, departments and individuals that make a commitment to work together to move forward a common mission. Each coalition member participates in a process of shared decision-making and allocates resources to support activities designed to meet mutually identified goals.

A Coalition Is… (continued) In addition, the coalition seeks to build capacity by not only combining existing resources, but by also identifying new sources of support.

The Benefits of an Effective Coalition n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

n Improves communication among key players n Increases program capacity n Strengthens ability for advocacy n Avoids duplication of efforts n Creates a comprehensive program approach n Increases potential for success

The Qualities of an Effective Coalition n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

n Shared vision n Effective leadership n Member-driven n Draws on multiple systems of community life n Clearly articulated action plan n Operates from an assets perspective n Identifies existing resources to support coalition activities n Builds capacity

To Effectively Lead a Coalition… n Start where the coalition members are n Understand that each community system has its own unique way of operating n Accept that turf issues are inherent in collaborative ventures and address them head on n Limit the bureaucratic demands on the coalition members n Dedicate time and energy to creating a group identity among coalition members

To Effectively Lead a Coalition… (continued) n Work with members to develop a mission statement to guide the work of the coalition n Engage coalition members in a process of planning and implementation that moves the group to action n Establish milestones that can be used to measure progress and celebrate accomplishments n Find ways to recognize coalition participants for their involvement

To Sustain a Coalition n Stay focused on your mission n Keep the demands on members simple and realistic n Develop clear roles and expectations for members n Provide ongoing opportunities for members to interact socially within the context of coalition n Maintain a focus on the assets you have to work with as opposed to the deficits that you face

To Sustain a Coalition n Encourage members to see the coalition as a resource that can help them do their job more effectively n Plan activities that demonstrate clearly the n impact of your group n Give recognition to coalition members as often as possible n Legitimize the need for each individual to reevaluate their role periodically n Look for ways to recruit new members

Guidelines for Prevention Programming Selection of Appropriate Strategies 1.Knowledge of the target population 2. Clarity and realism of expected results 3.Corroborative Empirical evidence of potential effectiveness 4.Conceptual soundness

Guidelines for Prevention Programming Interrelationships and Appropriate Structure 5.Inclusive Participation 6.System Integration 7.Appropriate Structuring of the effort

Guidelines for Prevention Programming Implementation Considerations 8.Appropriateness of timing, intensity and duration 9.Attention to quality of delivery 10.Commitment to Evaluation and Effort Refinement

Systems of Community Life Criminal justice professionalsElected officials City department headsSocial workers Sports and recreation organizationsSchool personnel Victim assistance providersYouth workers Health care providersPeer counselors Public housing managersNeighborhood leaders Newspaper editors/writersTelevision news directors Local business leadersLocal union leaders Leaders in the faith communityOthers

Systems of Community Life

Five indicators of Sense of Community  Sense of Membership  Mutual Importance  Shared worldviews  Bonding/Networking  Mutual responsibility for the community

Six Indicators of Mobilization Capacity n Sustained leadership n Formalization n Rewards and Incentives n Internal and External Communication n Community organizational know-how n Behind-the-scenes support

Indicators for Focused Action n Clarity of goals n Feasibility of plan n Capabilities and resources n Citizen participation and control n Passion for immediate action n High-performance team functioning

Notes