Coalition Building

It’s true; there is strength in numbers. The conflict between wildlife and transportation is so complex and so very daunting, no single citizen, group or interest can tackle it alone. Any worthwhile and successful attempt to make progress will require many and diverse interests. Coalitions harness the resources of member organizations to achieve common goals. Together, you can avoid duplication of effort and multiply your power. Don’t go it alone—conservationists unite!

Before forming a coalition, do some research and find if another organization is already in place. You may find that joining and revitalizing an existing effort is more effective than starting from scratch. Also keep in mind that a coalition need not be a formal affair; informal alliances can be just as effective without additional layers of bureaucracy.

Finding Partners

As a conservation advocate, you are almost certainly familiar with coalitions and probably a member of several. Conservation coalitions generally form around a particular region, resource, species, subject area, project or threat. Those of us who work on wildlife and transportation issues often find ourselves addressing all of the above at once. A highway project may pose a threat to a region that is home to precious resources, such as rivers or a national forest, and imperiled species—such as grizzly or salmon.

Highways touch everyone’s lives though–not just conservationists. As taxpayers, we all have a say in how our tax dollars are spent. As drivers, we seek mobility and safety. As citizens, we are invested in quality of services provided and our quality of life. We all have a stake in making the best decisions for our communities. There may be “neutral” or dormant groups who have yet to realize their ability to affect change. Some potential partners may be:

Coalition Hall of Fame

Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition

Mission statement: TCSPC is a group of organizations, agencies, and individuals working to provide safe crossings for wildlife and safer travel for people through Tijeras Canyon in New Mexico.
Coalition makeup: 25 groups, 23 citizen members
http://www.safepassagecoalition.org/

I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition

Mission statement: Advocating high quality wildlife passage in the I-90 Expansion east of Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.
Coalition makeup: 7 groups on the steering committee, 25 endorsing organizations, 11 endorsing businesses
http://www.i90wildlifebridges.org/

Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

Mission statement: The Coalition’s mission is to achieve the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecological function of the Sonoran Desert through comprehensive land-use planning, with primary emphasis on Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
Coalition makeup: 36 conservation and neighborhood groups, representing nearly 30,000 people
http://www.sonorandesert.org/

Build a Coalition

Forming: Define the coalition, develop the team, identify and recruit the right members.

Storming: Create your vision and mission statements, decide on the right structure and leadership and organize around an appropriate structure.

Norming: Manage volunteers and activities, communicate well and run effective meetings.

Performing: Prioritize activities, develop, implement and review plans.

Reforming: Celebrate success, review your mission and goals and share leadership.