A Community Coalition is a good vehicle for positive community change.

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A COALITION CAN:

Define the problem and its impact on your community --

In order to begin to address the problem of substance abuse in a community, it is essential to know the scope and nature of the problem in the community. This step is intended to offer a number of different ways in which a community coalition can collect data about the problem and use this information to begin formulating a plan to address the problem.

Identify key stakeholders --

The resources, individuals and agencies are your resources for defining the problem and are also your first leads in establishing a coalition of committed and effected individuals. Coalitions need to involve representatives from each sector of the community; diverse cultural and ethnic groups; people with influence in the community; people most effected by the problem; and the business community and service organizations.

Convene a meeting --

Schedule a meeting in the evening in a recognizable neighborhood facility such as a church, recreation center or school. Promote attendance at the meeting at least two weeks before the date and offer childcare (if possible).

Share perspectives --

Coalition building can be like a time bomb waiting to go off in a community. At the first meeting various perspectives about the causes of drug use and how to solve the problem must be shared. The coalition convener should be prepared to hear a number of perspectives and facilitate a discussion that allows everyone to be heard, while framing the comments to help in the formation of problem statements and ultimately, a vision for the community.

Discuss the current reality and the ideal --

Craft a statement of how you would “prefer” the issue to look in your community. Communities often have a difficult time drawing a clear picture of where they want to go. It is not enough to simply say, “We want to end alcohol and drug abuse in our community.” That is too broad, and it is not a reality. Instead, make a checklist of your goals so you know where the coalition wants to go before you develop the plan to get there.

Create a vision for your community --

Your coalition’s vision statement should indicate what your group is striving to achieve. The statement stays intact until the goal is achieved or until environmental factors or stakeholders’ necessitate change.

Determine the next steps --

You’ve gotten everyone to the table. You’ve discussed perceptions versus reality and forged an inspirational vision statement. Now, don’t let the coalition members walk away until everyone knows what is to be done next and a timetable for accomplishing these tasks. Never lose sight of the fact that changing and organizing a community takes time, effort and perseverance. But the rewards are worth it.

RESOURCES:

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) is a membership-driven organization put in place to give anti-drug coalitions technical assistance and support. The purpose of the Strategizer Technical Assistance Manuals is to provide step-by-step guidance on various topics relevant to the work being done in communities each day. The Strategizers are designed to be easy-to-use guides that help to streamline the planning process.