A coalition is a group of people or organizations that unite to achieve a common goal. Coalitions are commonly seen in political arenas and the world of advocacy. When groups join forces through coalition building they can amplify their strengths and address their weaknesses. They can also increase their available resources, improve their public profile and raise the likelihood of success in achieving their objectives.
The key to a successful coalition is finding the right balance between respecting each member’s individual identity and working as a team. It is important to find members that share the same vision and values. For example, an organization that focuses on the root cause of substance abuse can build a strong coalition by connecting with other community agencies that focus on prevention and treatment.
Another consideration when choosing coalition partners is their reputation in the community. Organizations that are well respected in their communities are more likely to have a greater impact and will be more accepted as legitimate stakeholders in the decision-making process. Finally, it is important to consider whether the organization’s core mission will conflict with other members in the coalition.
Once a strategy is agreed upon, the coalition must go through the process of forming a formal agreement and getting it signed off by all parties involved. This can be difficult as members will have to make sacrifices in order for the coalition to succeed.