ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL COALITIONS
HAVE NEED
______Mission Statement
______Our mission statement clarifies coalition goals to members, the larger community, potential
partners and funding sources.
______Members know the mission statement.
______Understanding the Community
We know and understand community assets, needs, norms and longtime community members.
______Clear Expectations
Volunteers & staff respond positively to concrete expectations of the community.
Data Driven
______Local needs determine our goals.
______Goals determine strategies.
______Our focus is on the outcome of our activities.
______Organizational structure
We have clear roles and responsibilities. (Staff, board, committees, task forces)
______Strategic Planning
______Our strategic plan charts a course for the coalition over a __-year period of time.
______We included many constituents in the development of the plan.
Community Support
______Communitymembers know of the coalition and understand its mission.
______Communitymembers support our efforts.
Broad Membership
______All community sectors are represented in our membership.
______We ensure that membership is inclusive. Anyone who can buy into the mission can be part of
the team.
______Our membership reflects the diversity of our community.
Volunteers
______We attract new and retain long-time volunteers.
______Our volunteers understand their value to the organization and feel that they are part of a
winning team.
______Youth are involved.
______Leadership
Strong, sustained leadership helps relationships within the organization to develop and grow.
______Relationships
We attend to group process and group maintenance issues.
HAVE NEED
Diversified and Relevant Funding
______Our funding is diversified to guard against unforeseen events and brings new partners into the
coalition.
______It includes in-kind donations.
______It is mission-specific and appropriate to coalition goals.
Resources
______We have adequate staffing.
______We have adequate office space and equipment.
______Our technology resources help with research, communication, training, and funding.
______Access to Community Leaders
Our access to decision makers helps effect change.
Multiple Strategies Across Multiple Sectors
______We have the support of a cadre of community sectors.
______We use a variety of strategies to meet community needs.
Training
______We provide training for our staff & members.
______We provide information on outside trainings for staff & members.
Communication
______We communicate with members,
______the community & civic leaders,
______funding sources.
Have and share successes
______We have a vision, but do work that offers immediate success.
______We celebrate and share those successes with the community.
______Accountability
We report our efforts, successes, and challenges to the community.
______Evaluation
We evaluate our programs, projects, and activities.
Cheryl Davenport, 2000
Troy Community Coalition
Sources: Annie E. Casey Foundation & CSAP