Build a Coalition
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Now that you organized a core team and are interested in advocacy work, it is time to reconnect with supporting organizations and individuals to build a coalition. Talk to local high schools, colleges, non-profits, and community centers to gain support for your work and recruit others to come on board. Remember, when you can show people concrete examples of what you have accomplished, they are more likely to support you.
The Purpose of Coalitions
- Share the work. Coalitions allow you to divide the work among your various partners.
- Target different groups. Perhaps your coalition partners specialize in certain demographic areas of the community. By combining strengths and contacts your coalition can reach out to a broader base of people.
- Share your mission. It is refreshing and energizing to work with people and organizations that are working towards the same mission as you (ten voices are much louder than one).
- Share your resources. By combining resources both groups save time and money. For example: your Mobilizer Team does not have a lot of material resources, but you do have a solid volunteer base. You can supply the volunteers while other partners provide office space, fax machines, and phones.
- Share your contacts. Members of a coalition will often send your action alerts over their email listserves, thus offering your opportunities to their membership.
Next: How to Build a Coalition
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