Coal Blooded Action Toolkit - Climate Access

Building a CoalitionCoalitions are formed when many individuals, and groups cometogether to support a cause through networking. Coalitionsprovide much of the same benefits as partnerships. Thisorganizing tool will assist your unit to engage coal issues morestrategically with the help of others. The benefit of organizationswith similar interest and or current coalitions can mean sharingfinancial and technical support. However, coalitions canrepresent an even wider range of interests and the support fromthat comes from each group. Communities that build a coalitioncan reap many benefits when coming together. A coalition willallow for various local interests to collaborate. More so, it bringstogether organizations and individuals to build a strongfoundation of power to create social change. Coalitions buildcredibility, by having more individuals and organizationsinvolved and supporting a cause, it strengthens public support.Before building or joining a coalition, your unit should considerwhat it wants to accomplish as a part of a coalition. Use thesesteps below to decide if a coalition will best serve your unit’swork in Environmental and Climate Justice.Researching the LandscapeBefore starting out, ask your group these questions: Are there existing coalitions for coal related issues? Isit beneficial to form and or join a coalition?Finding Potential PartnersReach out to prominent community organizations to first discuss potential partners to join the coalition,invite community leaders to be parts of the discussion for forming a coalition and make a list of potentialorganization to contact.Determine Staffing, Budget, and Resources1. Who will manage the coalition?a. Will the manager be paid? If yes, who will contribute the necessary funds to pay themanager?b. How much time will the manager need to dedicate to the coalition and its programs?2. Will the coalition need separate office space?a. Will a member provide the office space such as meeting rooms?3. Will each of the coalition members contribute funds to the coalition budget?4. What services will coalition members be expected to provide?Invite People to JoinWrite up a letter inviting your list of organizations to join the coalition and have an existing prominentmember sign the letter in support of their joining.NAACP Coal Blooded Action Toolkit53 | P a g e