For the past 10 years, community coalitions have been proving themselves as valuable resources making a difference in their communities. Coalition building, collaborative problem-solving, and community development are some of the most effective interventions for change available to us today. 

 

Who are coalition members?
Community coalitions comprise parents, teachers, law enforcement, businesses, religious leaders, health providers, and other community activists mobilizing at the local level to make their communities safer, healthier, and drug-free. Coalitions are partnerships of the many sectors of a community that gather together collaboratively to solve the community’s problems and guide the community’s future. When they are driven by citizen-identified issues, citizens become involved in all steps of the problem-solving process.

 

What are community coalitions?
Coalitions have been defined as a formal arrangement for collaboration among groups or sectors of a community, in which each group retains its identity. Still, they agree to work together toward the common goal of a safe, healthy, and drug-free community. Coalitions should have deep connections to the local community and serve as catalysts for reducing local substance abuse rates. Community coalitions are not prevention programs or traditional human service organizations that provide direct services. Rather they are directed by local residents and sector representatives who have a genuine voice in determining the best strategies to address local problems.

 

Why community coalitions?
Throughout the United States, community coalitions make a significant difference. Local coalitions continue to change the way that American communities respond to the threats of illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use. By mobilizing the community—parents, teachers, youth, police, health care providers, faith communities, businesses and civic leaders, and others—communities can transform themselves.

 

How do coalitions make a difference in communities?
Coalition building is a smart strategy that promotes coordination and collaboration and makes efficient use of limited community resources. By connecting multiple sectors of the community in a comprehensive approach, community coalitions are achieving real outcomes.

 

Examples of projects coalitions participate in:
Prescription Drug “take back” day events, Stop the Sale of Alcohol & Tobacco to underage Cheatham County youth, Prom Promise, Legislation, Health Fairs and Town Hall Meetings.