Skip to content
Narrow screen resolution Wide screen resolution Auto adjust screen size Increase font size Decrease font size Default font size

AMDA Foundation

Home arrow Vol XX, Aug `06
The Role of Coalitions PDF Print E-mail

Image
Vol XX, Aug `05
This month’s newsletter focuses on the work of Thomas Wolff, PhD. Wolff is “a nationally recognized consultant on coalition building and community development.” With more than 30 years’ experience—and consulting clientele including healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-profits—his theories and research are widely regarded as the definitive word on coalitions.

Research Tip: Much of Wolff’s work is available free of charge online: www.tomwolff.com

What is a ‘Community Coalition’?

As a member of the National Quality Coalition for the LTC-QI Partnership, you are currently participating in a coalition modeled on community coalitions.” The community, in this case, involves nursing homes and stakeholders who care deeply about the quality of care and
experience of their residents. According to Wolff (2001), a community coalition as a coalition that, among other attributes:

  • Includes community members
  • Addresses community needs
  • Uses collaboration as a tool
  • Has representatives from multiple sectors
  • Is a long-term, not ad hoc, group

Coalitions have become increasingly common over the past 25 years, and they form for many reasons and purposes; but the form and function of successful coalitions are remarkably similar, regardless of their varying objectives.

Successful Coalitions

There are many coalition characteristics, or attributes, that contribute to coalitions’ success. Successful coalitions are generally:

  • Flexible and responsive—Modify their approach and strategy in response to emerging issues;
  • Inclusive—Create a sense of belonging and membership, so that individual members feel their common objectives will be met through partnership;
  • Empowering—Provide opportunities for members to become engaged in community issues; and
  • Innovative—Serve as “incubators” for creative solutions facing both the local community and the nation.

Wolff’s work contains comprehensive descriptions of these characteristics, as well as others related to coalition success.

NQC Role

How does the LTC-QI Partnership’s National Quality Coalition (NQC) fit with Wolff’s model? As always, project staff strive to continually evaluate and improve upon our past efforts and experiences with this project. With Wolff’s model in mind, we are evaluating our partnership with the NQC and thinking of new and innovative ways to continue to partner going forward. Please share any ideas you have during your conversations with Erin Blume (see 'Partnership Survey,’ at left).

References

1. Tom Wolff & Associates [Online]. Available: www.tomwolff.com.
2. Wolff T. Community coalition building – contemporary practice and research. Introduction. Am J Comm Psyc 2001; 29 (2): 165-191.

 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]