NCJ Number
201297
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This strategizer guide offers 10 lessons in coalition success from ten effective coalition leaders from across the country.
Abstract
This strategizer guide was born from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s 10th Anniversary National Leadership Forum, which was convened in Washington, DC, in December 1999. During the Forum, a workshop featured coalition leaders from 10 successful coalitions who shared their views of how to do successful coalition work. This strategizer offers 1 lesson from each of 10 nationally renowned leaders. Lesson 1, offered by Jim Hall of the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community, is that a successful coalition plans for impact by changing determinates. Lesson 2, from Mary Ann Solberg of Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, is to work effectively with public officials to change public policy. Lesson 3, from Bill Crimi of the Franklin County Prevention Institute, is that coalitions must be driven by a strategy that compliments the community. Lesson 4, presented by James Brown of the Midlands Prevention Alliance Fighting Back, is that a coalition cannot be all things to all people; narrow the scope and do quality work. Lesson 5, presented by Karen Bass of the Los Angeles Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, states that successful coalitions must stay connected to the issue at hand and be current on research and initiatives. Lesson 6, from David Choate of the Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse, states that the most important aspect to any successful coalition is planning. Lesson 7, presented by Jerilyn Simpson of the San Bernardino Communities Against Drugs, Inc., is that coalitions must send a strong and consistent message that will persevere long after the coalition staff has moved on. Lesson 8, presented by Beverly Watts-Davis of San Antonio Fighting Back, is that successful coalitions break the mold of categorical thinking. Lesson 9, presented by Jane Callahan of the City of Vallejo Fighting Back Partnership, is to forge successful collaborations and acknowledge those collaborations as important. Finally, lesson 10, from Carol Stone of the Regional Drug Initiative of Portland, is to clearly state the problem in order to gain community support. Also included in this strategizer is contact information for each of the ten coalitions featured.