Sustaining Coalition / Collaboration
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Sustaining Coalition / Collaboration
Working on structural racism is a collective process that often involves the formation of collaborations or coalitions. The nature of these arrangements often changes over time. Ties get tested when 'the rubber hits the road,' -- when people are called upon to step out publicly in support of an anti-racist position or controversial action, when leadership changes and at other junctures.
In establishing a coalition or collaboration to pursue racial equity goals, it helps to consider the following:
- What are criteria for choosing people and organizations to participate in a partnership or coalition that will have decision-making authority?
- What does it take to create an inclusive and transparent coalition process that promotes constant learning and reflection?
- How might an effective coalition or collaboration select strategies - what are useful criteria?
- What will be the agreements about when all parties have to agree to support an action or position, and if one cannot, how will that be handled?
- How will risks be distributed among the organizational members?
- When are organizational members expected to speak from their organizational "hats", from their racial/ethnic identity "hats"; from other roles, constituencies and allegiances?
Tip Sheet:
Specific topics covered:
- Coalition and Collaboration Strategies - provides examples and resources for creating multiracial coalition and collaborative processes.
- Working with Multiracial Groups and Outreach - provides information about coalitions and collaboration among groups of color as well as between people of color and whites.
- Accountability - provides examples of how to establish accountability within a group and with constituent groups.