What is a Coalition?
A coalition is a unified group of people who share common interests with a desire to create a positive transformation or change within their community and/or college campus. A coalition member acts as an agent for change to achieve agreed-upon needs, solutions, and outcomes. Coalitions can mobilize at a local level using a comprehensive data-driven approach to make their communities safe, drug-free, and healthier.
Who makes up a Coalition?
A coalition promotes coordination and collaboration to make limited use of community resources. Coalitions are made up of multiple community sectors such as;
Youth
Parents
Business Community
Media
Youth-Serving Organizations
Law Enforcement
Faith-Based
Civic & Volunteer groups
Schools
Health Care Professionals
Government
Other organizations involved in substance abuse
Why are Coalitions effective?
Community coalitions are effective because they encompass various sectors within the community that form a unified body (strength in numbers). Because communities share common history, social, economic and political interests, concerns can be addressed at a local level with proven effectiveness. By focusing on data-driven issues, problems are combated through education and environmental strategies specific to that area.
How does a Coalition get started?
A coalition gets started by people with concerns surrounding an issue a vision of a healthier community. These leaders step up to the plate to organize community members and sectors for a unified outcome. They set the tone and engage the community and colleges. They involve people from grassroots to policymakers. Their main role is to act as a community mobilizer, building relationships, and collaborating with the community. Those who directly experience a problem are more invested in finding a solution.
Interested in getting involved?
Submit an email request, and a WNY PRC team member will contact you with details about existing community coalitions in your area. If no coalitions already exist, we can discuss the process of starting a coalition.