CREATINGEFFECTIVE COALITIONS 

CEC National Legislative Conference ▪ June 7, 2014

What is a coalition?

have a stated or similar position share a mutual concern are interested in working together toward an

action-oriented goal can be individuals or organizations combine efforts, resources, and skills may be permanent, ongoing, or temporary may be disbanded once goals reached or

abandoned 

What are the characteristics of an effective coalition member?

willing and able to give the time required

reflect self-confidence believe in the tasks at hand project positive attitudes demonstrate effective

communication skills be open-minded rather than

judgmental work well under pressure refrain from arguing with adversaries willing to share personal expertise appreciate the talents of other

members

What are the advantages of belonging to a coalition?

create clout build ongoing power base maximize number of people and

organizations to advocate share information coordinate strategies divide up the labor pool resources share different points of view to solve

problems safety in numbers

What are the chief obstacles in developing a coalition?

takes commitment turf issues and hidden agendas conflicts due to main issue

inconsistent with a member’s agenda

effort to reach consensus slows process

need procedures to resolve differences

What are the key steps in creating an effective coalition?

determine who can help develop structure and rules build capacity for planning and

action set strategies evaluate

What are the key skills to needed to lead a successful coalition?

leadership facilitation communication

and internet media funding and

resource development

What makes the coalition successful?

establishing a process to identify mutual goals

ensuring that each group maintains own identity and autonomy

understanding that total consensus in every area is not a requirement

recognizing that internal group conflict is inevitable

What makes the coalition successful?

striking a balance of an atmosphere of openness, a sense of inclusiveness, equal participation, and preventing one group’s domination over another

accepting and dealing with differences in values, attitudes, and styles of communication

realizing that appropriate negotiating and bargaining are basic to success

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

plan for meetings and discussions be sure everyone understands what

each organization represents and the purpose for the proposed coalition

encourage each organization to share goals and philosophy, and its capabilities for assuming fair share of workload

jointly prepare an “action plan”

COALITION LEADERS SHOULD

keep a low profile and recognize needs and resources of participants

analyze and appreciate difference personality types and leadership styles

help discourage divisive competition and instead encourage creative competition and collaboration

sustain the spirit of members by keeping interest high during periods when “nothing is happening”

help group determine the organizational style most comfortable and best suited for achieving purpose set forth

KEY COMPONENTS

  COOPERATION

COLLABORATION  CONSIDERATION