Partnerships and Coalitions

Partnerships and coalitions are effective in rural communities for sharing scarce human and capital resources. Partnerships can improve and strengthen information exchanges; access to specific expertise; resource allocation; community outreach; trust among key stakeholder groups; and buy-in, commitment, and involvement.

Effective community partnerships are formed with organizations that share similar goals and are willing to designate responsibilities for achieving them. Common goals typically focus on broad environmental, policy, and social changes that affect the health and well-being of rural residents.

To identify appropriate partners, organizations should consider the following:

• Engaging organizations with an established history. Partner organizations should have a history of involvement in similar health activities and with the target population.
• Involving partners from unique community sectors. Partners should represent different sectors of the community such as local businesses in the private sector, trade organizations, and social clubs. This can improve the reach of the program.
• Identify platforms for information sharing. Information-sharing maintains transparency among coalition members. Simple platforms may be most effective for sharing data and information among partners.
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses. Identify strengths and weaknesses in the coalition and seek technical expertise as needed.
• Remaining flexible. Remain flexible and creative when establishing meeting schedules, locations, and venues to accommodate member organizations.
• Involving coalition partners early. Include partners in program planning so that they are involved through-out the lifespan of the program, and afterwards.

Resources to Learn More

Best Practices User Guide: Coalitions: State and Community Interventions
Document
Focuses on the critical role coalitions play in a comprehensive tobacco control program.
Organization(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date: 7/2009

Coalition Building: Starting a Coalition
Website
Provides information on the nature of coalitions, when to start one, and the process of their creation.
Organization(s): Community Tool Box

Collaborative Leadership: Partnerships between Regional Development Organizations and Community Foundations
Document
Explores the strategies and rewards realized by eight partnerships between community foundations and Rural Development Organizations in Alabama, Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Organization(s): National Association of Development Organizations
Date: 7/2012

Developing Effective Coalitions: The 8-Step Process
Website
Includes information on prevention fundamentals, areas of focus, the use of community values to create a common ground for partnership and coalition development, strengthen ties, achieve group results, and keep communities engaged in health initiatives.
Organization(s): Prevention Institute

Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships
Website
Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) is a strategic planning process for community health promotion. This website describes the MAPP process and provides links to additional information and resources, including a MAPP handbook.
Organization(s): National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)