Phoenix Rising: Reinvigorating Multi-Stakeholder Collaborations

April 2009 Notice a lack of oral health advocacy capacity in the state of Missouri.

Diagnosing the Problem What tools can you use to determine how/why current efforts are not successful? What role is appropriate for a funder? How do you communicate this diagnosis back to stakeholders?

June 2009 Convene stakeholders to share oral health white paper and discuss concerns about oral health advocacy capacity. Hear persistent concerns about the lack of policy focus at the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health. July 2009 Meet with MCOH Chair, Vice Chair and ED to clarify their status and interests. Learn that policy advocacy is almost a nonstarter for Board members.

Fish or Cut Bait Should you reinvigorate an existing organization or start from scratch? Does this new effort need to be an independent coalition or incubated through an existing infrastructure? How do you deal with potential pushback from those who feel the current collaboration is working?

Sept 2009 Send letter that funding will not be forthcoming without major movement toward policy advocacy. Feb 2010 Receive notice that MCOH is running out of funds and will cease operating at month's end. May 2010 Meet with the primary care association (MPCA) and current MCOH leadership regarding the potential for MPCA to take over MCOH operations. July 2010 Select a consultant to oversee the rebirth process. Begin stakeholder interviews.

Bringing Stakeholders to the Table How do you respect and incorporate the passion of longstanding stakeholders? Who’s missing and how can you encourage their participation? What strategies can you use to spur participation from high-level decision makers?

Feb 2011 Convene planning group. Develop new bylaws with nominating committee and representative slots. The coalition’s members are concerned about their turf issues and all request designated seats. June 2011 Adoption of bylaws and election of new Board of Directors. The bylaws prioritize consensus.

Nuts and Bolts How can you structure a new effort to enhance their chances for sustainability? When should funders flex their muscles as opposed to allowing stakeholders to lead the way? What strategies offer the collaborative a sense of accountability?

Oct 2011 Secure grants from three health conversion foundations. Dec 2011 Start date for new Executive Director.

Discussion/Wrap-Up