Humans are social creatures. Biology, psychology, and sociology tell us so. It would then follow that we need others to help us be our best selves and do our best work. No rocket science here.
Yet, how we get to that social nirvana is both science and art. Like the game of Jenga, we are working constantly to align our vision of the ideal with the reality of everyday life. I use the word iterative a lot because it’s a concise way to say we are always improvising, evolving, making it up as we go along, building the plane after take-off, etc. And that’s a good thing.
In fact, this notion of iteration is something that I’ve both enjoyed and been frustrated by in equal measure throughout my career. It is in our collective “strategery” (mash up of strategic and wizardry) where you find the magic of coalitions.
We build coalitions to meet specific goals, hoping they will survive and thrive as long as they are needed.
I’ve had the pleasure of helping to develop local arts education advocacy coalitions at the California Alliance for Arts Education. The Arts Now Communities (formerly the Local Advocacy Network) was groundbreaking in its day, providing guidance, structure and support for advocates to address issues at the local level. And as an example of the evolution of structures to meet new realities, the now 30 active coalitions have more than proven their readiness in advocating for local funds in response to California’s new school funding formulas.
More recently, I’ve worked with Tennessee advocates to build a framework for the newly launched ArtsEdTN. The Tennessee coalition is part of a larger national effort led by the NAMM Foundation. The Coalition on Coalitions (CoCs) supports NAMM members and their networks working on state-level music and arts education advocacy efforts. As a network of advocates, the CoCs provides tactics, resources and best practices to move and improve state-level policies, funding and advocacy for music and arts education.
What are those structural and strategic pieces that enable effective coalitions? The following framework is a place to start. (NOTE: To see an expanded framework for coalition building, click here Coalition Building Framework_January2018.)
FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS
- Statement of purpose or mission (What is the work of the group?)
- Vision statement (If the purpose is realized, what does success look like?)
- Rationale for forming the coalition
- Beliefs (Core belief statements will serve as a touchstone in determining policy, budgetary and legislative priorities.)
- Outcomes (Stated as measurable objectives.)
- Brief background/history
- Listing of key agencies
MEMBERSHIP
A tiered approach is recommended, with commensurate roles and responsibilities at each level. The goals of membership are three-fold:
- To identify a leadership group that is responsible for carrying out the work of the coalition and ensuring its sustainability;
- To build capacity for shared action; and
- To enable broad engagement and participation from a wide group of arts education-interested stakeholders.
STRUCTURE
Structurally, independent coalitions do not need much in the way of overhead or cash in order to be effective. Coalitions can work well when managed by volunteers, with a little help from a fiscal sponsor (someone to handle the money) as desired. Note: It is not necessary to secure 501c3 nonprofit status to form a coalition.
- Budgetary Considerations. Expense budgets may be minimal, especially in the early stages of a coalition. Amounts will vary by locale.
- Revenue Options. Operating as a network with shared goals means it is also ideal for stakeholders to share the burden of funding the work of the coalition.
- Operations. There are three key functions that are important to long term success: designated driver (point person), fiscal sponsor/treasurer, chief communicator.
- Measuring Success. Ask each core group member to sign and approve the framework document and subsequent annual plans, affirming a shared commitment of effort. Provide an annual check-up to assess progress.
Again, thanks for listening. I welcome your thoughts. Please contact me or click here if you would like an expanded version of the framework.
