Coalition Building 

There is no single definition of a coalition. A coalition may be thought of as a group of organizations coming together for a common purpose, but it may also include individuals as well as organizations. Coalitions may be short-term or long-term. They generally are convened because an issue or problem in a community becomes a concern and touches on the issues of multiple organizations. A coalition is an effective approach to a problem. Its size and composition may make its message more persuasive and dissipate the fear of groups afraid to act alone. 

Two Essential Building Blocks 
   Self Interest 
Self-interest is key to community organizing. Discussion of issues can lead to discovery of values. What people spend their time on is a key indicator of what they value. Then the trick is identifying, from the variety of individual self-interests within the group, common interests around which to organize the coalition’s activities. 

   Trust Relationships 
Coalitions can be short term or long term. Short-term coalitions tend to form quickly around particular issues of immediate concern to a large number of people and then dissipate after the issues are resolved. Long-term coalitions have a broad enough that they can be sustained and adapt over time to meet a variety of issues as they become critical. Long-term coalitions are held together by the trust relationships that are formed between the members as they work together over time. At its best a long-term coalition is a ready community able to quickly mobilize as new issues arise. 

As your coalition develops, keep in mind these two key requirements for your coalition to be successful and to move forward. First, be clear about what keeps your members at the table and continue to forge a vital common self-interest. Second, you must work persistently to develop and deepen trust relationships and shape your organization to nurture these relationships as time passes and new people come into your coalition. 

Elements of a Successful Coalition 

  • Inclusiveness
  • Conflict resolution process
  • Clear decision making process
  • Establishment of an easily understandable structure
  • Assignment of tasks--everyone has something to do
  • Based on a strategic plan
  • Involves action
  • Creates change

    • For More Information 
    Hunger Action Coalition 
    220 Bagley, Suite 326 
    Detroit, Michigan 48826-1412 
    tel: (313)963-7788 
    fax: (313)963-5819 
    e-mail: HNO144@handset.org 

    The above information was taken from "Moving Your Coalition Forward," a 1996 publication of the Hunger Action Coalition. 

    Copyright © 1999 Michigan State University Extension.  For information about Hunger Resources and Programming, contact <wrublec@msue.msu.edu>. 

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