Build a Coalition

Building and maintaining a community-based coalition can be one of the most effective approaches in addressing tobacco prevention and support. It’s a classic case of “two heads being better than one.” By bringing together diverse volunteers, groups and resources in a grassroots, community-based coalition, one can set about the business of changing tobacco consumption norms and public policy at the local level.

To that end, this lesson offers a road map for creating a community-based tobacco prevention coalition. It is organized around the forming, storming, norming, performing, reforming model, which emphasizes the importance of continual growth and reassessment in coalition dynamics. The lesson is designed to allow different coalitions to tackle different areas of interest, depending on their stage of development. For example, as you reform your coalition you will probably want to review your mission and goals before you get down to the business of recruiting new members and share leadership. Also, coalitions can be in more than one state at a time or even in between stages. It’s important to recognize where the coalition is and help move the coalition along using the skills provided in this learning module.

Forming
Defining the coalition, developing the team and identifying and recruiting the right members.

Storming
Creating vision and mission statements, deciding on the right structure and leadership, and organizing around an appropriate structure.

Norming
Managing volunteers and activities including how to match volunteers with the right activities, communicating effectively, developing conflict resolution skills and running good meetings.

Performing
Prioritizing activities and developing, implementing, and reviewing plans. Also, how to keep volunteers action-oriented and on track.

Reforming
Celebrating your successes, reviewing your mission and goals, sharing leadership and recruiting new members.

Self-Assessment
Take a short quiz for the Building a Coalition Module.

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