Working with like-minded people

Many advocates find that combining voices is more effective - not only because you are more likely to be heard, but more efficient as well. Learning from others with more experience will save a lot of time - they know what has and hasn't worked in the past and which policymakers are sympathetic to the issue. They likely have updates that are very informative. Some groups provide advocacy training and support. Sharing resources - time, money, the services of a lobbyist - is more efficient. And more collaborators mean more opportunities to reach different policymakers.

Finding a like-minded group is not usually hard. Search the internet. Check on college campuses. Go to a few public hearings or conferences on your issue and see who testifies or speaks.

Once you find a group, go to a few meetings and read their materials. You will quickly decide if the group is a good fit for you. Consider the following:

• The Mission And The Goals - do they include your issue, obviously you want to work toward your goal while supporting others' as well 

 

• What You Will Be Expected To Contribute - some will ask for nothing, but some may have a membership fee, some may ask for access to your network (if you have one), or for a significant commitment of time

 

• The History Of The Group - see if they have a history of advocacy success 

 

• Their Reputation - check around, especially ask policymakers which groups they respect 

 

• Who Else Belongs - be sure you are comfortable with the partners, but do not rule out groups with unlikely members, this is a significant strength 

 

 

Is One Group Or Person Driving The Agenda? 

 

 

• Politics -- some are aligned with one party or even one wing of a party, that is not necessarily bad - it can be extremely effective, but be sure you are comfortable with the bias

 

While coalitions can be extremely effective, and are often the only way to move an issue, they are human institutions. Power struggles, turf battles and strong personalities are not uncommon. There are often differences in culture, ways of working, resources, and levels of commitment to the cause. Recognize and respect the differences.

Coalition-Building

There are many advantages to achieving your group's goals through working with other organizations in a coalition. Often, a group's mission and goals can only be reached with the power of large numbers of people or organizations. A coalition can take several forms. One group can serve as the lead organization (setting policies, providing spokespeople) for the coalition, or all groups can participate equally, with decisions worked out together by group representatives.

Coalitions can speak with a voice much louder than any individual member group alone. They can develop long term connections and relationships which promote unity and prevent splits, as groups try to accomplish their other goals.

Coalitions may have disadvantages as well. Some member groups might benefit much more than others from the coalition. The coalition may not operate in a democratic way and may leave some groups out of the decision-making process. Member groups may lose control over their own programs and values by giving up power to others. This is a particular concern for groups of people who experience oppression and powerlessness in our society - women, people of color, working class or low income groups, youth, disabled people, etc. This should not discourage organizers from being involved in coalitions as long as these problems are addressed.

Use coalitions to create the people-power needed to achieve certain goals; evaluate whether or not particular coalitions will work for your group.

Building Successful Coalitions