This article was excerpted from the draft Guide to Linking and Aligning Mental Health and Primary Care, sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, HHS, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA, HHS.
A coalition is a group of individuals, groups, parties, or States that come together, join forces, or form partnerships for a common purpose. We know that coalition building has always been key to building systems of care, a fact emphasized by the recent Winter 2007 System of Care Community meeting in Atlanta, Georgia and its focus on collaboration and coalition-building.
Systems of care are defined by a network of inter-agency partnerships sharing visions, strategies, and resources to improve mental health care for children and families. Implicit in the concept of systems of care is the wealth of resources and diversity of perspectives that partnerships bring.
Building on resources discussed and developed during the Atlanta meeting, this month’s column provides information on how to work with others to advocate for systems change. As you begin your advocacy efforts, you will find that there is often strength in numbers, and the more support you have, the easier it is to enact change.
As we move towards building collaborative efforts, it is important to reach out beyond our traditional partner organizations to provider organizations that may be outside of our typical circle, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Medical Society. Working with School Based Health Centers that provide comprehensive or mental health care, other community-based organizations, and volunteers can both help get efforts off the ground, and enact longer-lasting changes. A broad base of ideas, opinions, and expertise is more important than size. This will help create a more diverse, community-based approach to defining the problem.
Steps to Building Coalitions
Forming a coalition sounds easy, but proper planning and knowledge can avoid future problems. Here are some suggested steps for putting together a coalition.
1. Define your objectives and needs
- Why are you forming this coalition and what goals need to be accomplished? What is the scope of interest and influence? For instance, will the coalition tackle a state-wide issue or a local issue? How big should the coalition be? Is the coalition intended to solve a short-term finite problem or will the coalition be in place for the long term? When, where, and how often will the coalition meet? Is the mission or guiding purpose for the coalition clear?
2. Gather adequate resources
- Ensure that time and resources are available to build and coordinate the coalition.
3. Identify potential members
- Identify who is already doing work in child and adolescent health and mental health. Create a diverse list of individuals and groups that are stakeholders in your key issue. Seek representatives from all sectors so that the coalition reflects the community. Remember that family and youth involvement is a key factor. Go outside your comfort zone.
- Get the ball rolling.
- Invite individuals and representatives of the chosen organizations to join the coalition. Be sure to include information about who else is invited, how the coalition will function, and what will be expected of them as a coalition partner. Consider joining one of the member’s coalitions.
5. Set up the coalition’s first meeting to develop an action plan
- Develop strategies, activities, and tactics for accomplishing the coalition’s goals for improving school health and/or outcomes for children and families. Formulate an agenda for achieving next steps. Determine what resources each partner brings to the coalition.
6. Establish an identity for the coalition
- Prepare the coalition’s statement of purpose or mission statement and ask members to endorse it.
7. Follow up with coalition members and potential members
- Send a follow-up letter to meeting attendees thanking them for their interest. Inform members of the next activity and the progress of the coalition. You can also use existing newsletters and local newpapers to thank members for their efforts and advertise upcomming meetings or events.
8. Develop coalition materials
- Consider creating a member contact list, fact sheets, and/or meeting briefs for distribution.
9. Keep the ball moving
- Be sure to maintain momentum and interest around your issue. Follow up with participants and keep them posted on progress or action.
10. Keep the lines of communication open
- Do not overwhelm coalition participants with too much information, too many meetings, or unrealistic expectations. Be sure to check in periodically with coalition partners to make sure that they feel they are benefiting from their affiliation with the coalition. Encourage feedback and suggestions from participants.
Ensuring the Success of Your Coalition
- Clarify the exact purpose of the coalition.
- Allow time for buy-in to ensure that the group maintains interest and stays involved.
- Choose a strong leader to maintain focus.
- Provide training for contact with the media, public speaking, etc.
- Provide sufficient funding or secure financial commitment from the agencies involved
- Keep moving forward despite the unwillingness of key groups to become involved
- Make sure that someone is accountable for the work of the coalition.
- Problems are best solved when participants try to communicate and listen.
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Other Resources for Collaboration Building
Want to know more about collaboration and coalition building? Take a look at these materials from the Winter 2007 System of Care Community Meeting CD:
For information on collaboration with specific partners and agencies, such as youth and family organizations, schools, juvenile justice, primary care, and child welfare, contact TA Partnership Resource Specialists. To find their contact information, visit:
http://www.tapartnership.org/contact_list.asp#RS
