Coalitions & Collaborations Intermediate Injury Prevention Course August 23-26, 2011 Billings, MT

Level 1: Objectives... Level 2: Objectives... Purpose of Collaboration Collaboration types and approaches Steps of starting an IP coalition Coalition pitfalls and solutions Attributes of a good facilitator Keeping coalitions motivated Coalition evaluation

1.Determine whether to form a coalition 2.Recruit the right people 3.Devise objectives and activities 4.Convene the coalition 5.Anticipate resources 6.Define elements of structure 7.Maintain vitality 8.Improve through evaluation Level I: RECAP Eight-Step Guide

Step 7: Maintain Coalition Vitality Address difficulties and challenges Coalition Killers – tombstones Good facilitators Recruiting and involving new members Promoting renewal Celebrating and sharing success Eight-Step Guide

Buzz Group Exercise Form small groups (6-8 members) Read and discuss coalition scenarios in small group Reconvene Discuss what each group learned

Buzz Group Exercise Questions 1.What are some of the barriers (pitfalls) of Coalition A? 2.What are some of the strengths of Coalition B? 3.Which coalition appears more effective? Why? 4.What are strengths or barriers (pitfalls) you have experienced in working with coalitions? 5.What are some ways to work with a coalition with these strengths? Barriers (pitfalls)?

Common Coalition Pitfalls Ineffective/weak leadership No plan of action Dominance by professionals Failure to engage community members Confusion about goals/objectives Inefficient/unproductive meetings Lack of enthusiasm and commitment Poor communication

Coalition Pitfalls Poor Communication Turf Issues Ground Rules Motivation Failure To Act

Underlying reasons for poor communication Personal attributes Cultural differences Turf Issues Absence of or non-enforced ground rules Importance of a good facilitator Communication

What Causes a... Mistrust Conflict between organizations with common goals & interests Non-cooperation Competition

Solving Turf Battles Make fair decisions Remind participants of the big picture Encourage flexibility

Ground Rules start & end on time Stay on task/ agenda Don’t interrupt Pay attention when someone is talking respect others opinions

Being A Good Facilitator Challenge people Lead brainstorming sessions Keep communication flowing Be process and goal oriented Discuss controversial issues thoroughly

Being A Good Facilitator 1.What do you see as some qualities of successful facilitators?

Being A Good Facilitator 1.What do you see as some qualities of successful facilitators? –Positive mental attitude –Strong commitment to goals –Ability to listen & reflect –Neutrality –Awareness of what is NOT being said –How to get it stated –Good communication skills

Being A Good Facilitator 2. When facilitating, if bad behavior by a coalition member(s) hinders your group process, what could you do?

Being A Good Facilitator 2.When facilitating, if bad behavior by a coalition member(s) hinders your group process, what could you do? Make eye contact Walk by them and make eye contact, Ask them specifically, “What do you think?” Use silence Give feedback during a break

Facilitation Exercise You are a facilitator for a group that has a participant that speaks out consistently without being prompted. She has ignored your suggestion that she use her energy and enthusiasm to encourage the more shy participants to speak-up more often. She is not following the guidelines and the group is getting frustrated with her. What do you do?

Resources for Facilitator Training 2-day IHS Course- Group Facilitation Methods – Focused conversations, consensus method, action planning. Kaner, S. Lind, L., Toldi, C., Fisk, S., & Berger, D. (1996). Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision- Making. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada Kaye, G. (1997). The Six “R’s” of Participation. In Minkler M. (Ed.), Community Organizing & Community Building for Health. (pp. 372 – 373). New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Failure to Act Long planning process without action Long unproductive meetings Involvement from potential contributors discouraged

Accomplishing Meaningful Action 1.Revisiting and clarifying goals Long term and short term 2.Creating a coalition plan Action plan with clear objectives and actions timelines 3.Agreeing upon small, feasible actions 4.Advanced planning 5.Follow-up

Motivation Ideas to Keep Groups Motivated Recruiting and involving new members Promoting renewal Training New, exciting issues Celebrating and sharing success Reward members

Coalition Pitfalls Poor Communication Turf Issues Ground Rules Motivation Failure To Act

Step 8: Improvements through Evaluation Eight-Step Guide

Why Evaluate your Coalition? Coalition members and community members may ask: –Is the coalition doing anything ? –How much has been accomplished ? –Is the coalition making a difference ?

Coalition Evaluation Quality (training, continuity,involvement) Comprehensiveness Access and Equity Cost-effectiveness

Coalitions and Collaborations Summary Pitfalls Good facilitation Evaluation

Questions?