COALITION BUILDING
What is Coalition Building?
Coalition building is generally the initiation and development of a
partnership between two or more groups that are similar in some way
or another. Since the groups involved are similar, the coalition is
based on a shared mission.
Why is Coalition Building Important?
Coalition building is important because it based on the notion
of "strength in numbers." In other words, a united front or a
collaborative effort is much stronger than a campaign carried on by
one group. A coalition is comprised of groups that vow support of
one another as well as support of the coalition itself. In
addition, groups within a coalition share resources, ideas, and
opinions to contribute to individual and group success.
Resources for Coalition Building > types of coalition ||
elements of coalitions
Types of Coalitions
Below is a general dichotomy of coalitions. Keep in mind there are
other ways to describe coalitions.
Loose Coalitions
Loose coalitions tend to have missions or goals that are easily
achievable, thus rendering these coalitions finite. That is, once
the goals are fulfilled, the coalition is disbanded.
- Examples of loose coalitions:
Collaborations and/or co-sponsorships, for all intents and purposes of student groups, are based on sharing responsibilities and resources to develop a program or initiative that has a set date or goal.
Firm Coalitions
In contrast to loose coalitions, firm coalitions tend to have
missions or goals that are ongoing or perpetual, thus rendering
these coalitions infinite. That is, the goals are general enough to
make the work of the coalition constantly incomplete. As a result,
firm coalitions rarely disband.
[ back to top ]- Examples of firm coalitions:
Councils of various student groups are common on campuses. Such councils consist of two or more student groups that share similar missions or goals and their coalition usually strives to meet their collective needs and interests, improve their organizational environment, and address concerns that affect their individual and/or collective communities. For an example of a firm coalition, click here for the Council of Cultural Group Presidents.
Elements of Coalitions
How Can We Start a Coalition?
Below are a few general steps to build a coalition:
- List which groups should be included
- Contact each group
- Set an initial meeting(s) to discuss the mission and structure of the coalition
- Draw up a general outline of the coalition (i.e. constitution) that the president of each group should sign
Keys to Strong Coalitions
- Mission & goals: A coalition should have a clearly stated mission as well as a set of related goals to direct the work of the coalition. This mission should be revisited every year to ensure that the stated mission and actual needs and interests of the groups in the coalition are congruent.
- Name: A coalition should have a concise name for purposes of public relations. The name will make your coalition identifiable in the general public.
- Communication: A coalition should have strong, consistent communication amongst all members of the coalition. Communication should be open so that all members of the coalition are privy to all information and conversations. There shouldn't be anything that one or two groups keeps from the rest of the coalition.
- Meetings: A coalition should have regularly scheduled meetings. Since student coalitions are usually comprised of student groups that have their own respective meetings, it is recommended that coalition meetings be less frequent than student group meetings (i.e. monthly). Additional meetings may be called when situations arise. Agendas and minutes are recommended for each meeting.
- Representatives: A coalition, although comprised of whole groups, are realistically represented by individual members of each group. Each group in the coalition should have a designated representative (or two) to attend each meeting and serve as the person who communicates all coalition business with his/her respective group. Substitutes are necessary if the designated representative cannot attend a meeting.
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