Building a Coalition

A coalition is a group made up of people, organizations, and constituencies working together to achieve a goal.

• Coalitions can include individuals as well as representatives of other organizations, such as police departments or emergency services providers.
• Coalitions are often more effective than individuals working alone - or even different organizations working independently.
• Coalitions can develop stronger public support for an issue by increasing visibility and public awareness.

Working together is the foundation of the Toward Zero Deaths program.

The state and federal agencies that started the TZD program have formed a coalition that enables them to do more than they could do alone. Working with other residents in your community and local organizations you will have more resources and a bigger voice to get your ideas put into practice.

Funding your coalitions

To help community coalitions carry out the Toward Zero Deaths mission, funding is available through the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). To apply for funding, a group must complete a proposal through the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. A packet of instructions and application materials is available from the OTS by mail or through the OTS Web site at www.dps.state.mn.us/ots/.

Getting the facts

For information about researching traffic safety issues in your community, see the Getting the Facts page.

Coalition building basics

Before you start...

Find out is there is already a group in your area involved with traffic safety issues. If so, consider combining your resources, which may be more effective than starting from scratch.

Identify stakeholders

What groups have a clear interest in reducing deaths and injuries on the road? This is a goal that many people can agree on; focus your efforts on people and organizations that can commit time and resources to your effort. Also, do some research to see which groups—such as younger drivers, or residents along certain stretches of road—are most affected by traffic crashes.

Build alliances

Locate allies—core community members who will be able to help attract people to your cause. Also, understand the work of other groups in your area; how can you work together without stepping on each other's toes?

Encourage diversity

Educators, police officers, grassroots activists, cultural organizations—tackling the problem from all sides is more effective than focusing on a single narrow strategy. Try to include all interested parties and get different perspectives on the problem; you may be surprised by the variety of possible solutions.

Structure your activities

After finding the groups and individuals who will form your coalition, develop a system for making decisions and getting things done. You will need at least a steering committee and probably a spokesperson as well to serve as the voice of your coalition.

Put it in writing

Define a mission statement for your coalition—a short and simple statement that sums up what your coalition is all about. The mission statement helps focus your efforts and can also serve as a great tool for raising public awareness of what you’re trying to accomplish.

Set goals and priorities

Start with a few fairly simple activities that can be accomplished in a short time. This will give the members of your coalition an opportunity to work together and strengthen their sense of teamwork.

Establishing both short-term and long-term goals is a good idea. Short-term goals are milestones on the way to your ultimate objectives. Use short-term accomplishments to measure your progress.

Keep your momentum going

Even if the members of your coalition are highly motivated in the beginning, some may drop out over time. Communication—through regular meetings, newsletters, conference calls, etc.—keeps members involved. Also, recognize coalition members’ achievements.

Get the word out

Don't keep your work a secret—your efforts have an impact on your whole community. Local news media, community groups, and schools or colleges can help educate the public and recruit new members.

Resources

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, through its Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), accepts proposals from communities interested in building a Safe Community Coalition. Please see the OTS web site for more information.

Safe Communities (NHTSA Safe Communities program)
Tools and resources for coalitions.

Your first meeting

Be prepared

Write up an agenda ahead of time and bring copies to distribute—this will keep everyone on the same page. Elect a facilitator to lead the group through the agenda and keep your meetings from going off-track. If you're not comfortable standing up in front of a crowd, talk to someone in the group who has experience leading business meetings or social events.

Choose the right location

Meeting in a group member's home may be fine for small groups, but you may have to deal with kids, pets, and a lack of seating space. Find out what facilities are available in your community; public libraries, city or county buildings, and established community organizations can often provide rooms with chairs, tables, and even audio-visual equipment.

Make a good first impression

Your first meeting is an opportunity to get the group excited about your mission and motivate members to make a difference. If your meetings are efficient and well organized, and if everyone feels they have an opportunity to participate, your group has a much better chance of success.