Coalitions are a group of individuals or organizations from different sectors who come together to act collectively to address community issues. Coalitions can be very powerful because they offer a broader reach than individual groups can on their own and help to bring in the expertise, technical or financial resources that are needed for success. They can also provide a voice for those who are under represented in the debate over an issue. The number of members is important, but it’s also the quality and depth of the relationships within the coalition that will determine its duration.
While most coalitions are temporary, some will persist for longer than others. The reason for this is the degree to which coalition goals correspond with the interests of the members. Coalitions focusing on issues of global scope, such as peace or the environment, tend to have longer lifespans than local or regional ones.
Maintaining the health of a coalition requires regular evaluations and maintenance. These should be conducted to identify barriers to successful achievement and develop strategies to overcome them. In addition, coalitions should make a commitment to build intentional relationships across the coalition groups and to foster a culture of participation. They should encourage leaders to participate directly in the decision making process rather than having positional leaders delegate their responsibilities to staff.
A key to maintaining a healthy coalition is ensuring that the membership of the coalition represents a broad range of organizations and perspectives. It is also a good idea to include representatives of those who are directly affected by the issue. This could be the community, government, businesses, law enforcement or school personnel.