Coalitions

One of the most important elements of a campaign is working with other groups. Conservation and public interest campaigns are often waged against well-funded special interests with greater resources than we can amass. By using coalitions, we create strength in numbers.

Here are several different coalition models:

• Endorsement model. This is a list of endorsers that lend credibility, breadth and depth to an effort. Members do little besides adding their names.
  
  
• Associate model. Here, groups and their leaders are asked to play an active role in the campaign, but the decision-making still rests with you. There may be occasional meetings to share information and provide a sense of ownership.
  
  
• Partner model. Here power sharing as well as active participation is common. Groups work closely together. Decisions and input are based on resources contributed.

Forming a Coalition

• Determine which model to use and set goals.
  
  
• Make a list of organizations to approach. Below is a list of types of groups for you to consider:

• Use standard coalition recruitment packets. If the coalition is to be broad-based with many groups to be approached, the materials should be mass-produced, with a generic cover letter printed by mail merging.
  
  
• Request their position on the issue in the cover letter. This request needs to be specific. Outline the problem, the solution, the campaign and your specific request.
  
  
• Include supporting materials. Fact sheets, newspaper clips, and current endorser lists are a few examples of such.
  
  
• Enclose a return form so that the group can indicate their position.
  
  
• When putting together your campaign plan, pull in your key, anticipated coalition partners (2-3) and ask for their feedback and leadership. Pulling them in early empowers them in the long run and helps broaden your base.
  
  
• Prioritize your list. Your strategy might be to get easy groups first to get the ball rolling, or to spend time on key leadership and/or the major players.
  
  
• Initial contacts determine what the best process is for the model you are using. You may want to call each contact prior to sending the materials out. For these first two sets of calls, let them know you would like to send them information, find out more about their decision-making process and establish contact within the organization.
  
  
  • Determine whether you have contacted the proper person.
    
    
  • Give a brief summary on what your are asking of them.
    
    
  • Find out their process for making this policy decision.
    
    
• Send out information. Once they have received your information, call the group back to get their response. Do you need to attend any meetings? Do you need to contact another division of the organization? Depending on the structure of the group be prepared to lobby individual members of the organization. If members of your existing coalition have influence with the group or its leadership, use them in your lobbying effort. Be prepared to answer questions, and to provide convincing reasons why the group should endorse the issue or get involved with the campaign. In addition to thinking about what we want from the group, think about how they will benefit from their involvement in our coalition.
  
  
• Secure the group's endorsement and/or involvement. Persistence and attention to schedule pays off. Pay close attention to the priority groups. Once a core of support has been established, it may become easier to get other groups on board. When seeking endorsements, try to get specific letters of endorsement from each group in addition to getting permission to use their name on your endorsed list. Ideally the letter includes a brief description of the organization, the reference to the issue, and a call for legislative or citizen support for the measure. Get clear permission to use the organization's name on letterhead and in press releases.
  
  
• Finally, use the coalition. Hold a news conference to announce its formation. Circulate petitions within the ranks of the organization. Send targeted decision-makers updated endorser lists and individual letters of support. The important point here is to encourage the needed involvement as well as accountability within the coalition.