How to Build a Coalition

Building a coalition is as much of an investment in your future as training employees, purchasing new equipment or applying new technology. Drought and water management issues will continue to confront us. Long-term answers need to evolve and short-term goals need to be met to address these issues.

By forming local and regional coalitions, green industry businesses can be more effective and accomplish more than a single entity working alone. Coalitions can multiply your resources (i.e., funding, experience, influence), add credibility to your mission and significantly enhance your ability to influence public policy and opinion.

Tip: Building coalition support has been key to the success of many local green communities nationwide. To see a case study, go to www.TurfGrassSod.org or www.LawnInstitute.com. Click on “Water Right” and proceed to“Case Study 10: Communicating Water Conservation to a Community.”

Begin

Now is the best time to start a green industry coalition in your area. You do not need to be the group’s ultimate leader, but if you initiate the idea of unity, other enthusiastic and dedicated professionals will step forward. During this initial phase, determine your primary focus and define your goals so you can continue recruiting participants.

Start with one telephone call to a vendor, supplier, grower or contractor to introduce the idea of forming a coalition of green industry businesses in your area. Soon, you will form a small, core planning group, and your organization will begin to take shape.

Diversify

With water conservation at the forefront of everyone’s concern, we must bridge our differences and build relationships with others who share our desire to enhance and preserve the environment, educate the public and continue to grow within the local community. Collective knowledge equals amplified power, and to harness the influence and power of your coalition, you must recognize the individual skills, resources and expertise that each member brings to the group.