How to Create Community Ownership:

1. How to Create Community Ownership: Expanding and Sustaining Your Coalition

2. What is a coalition? A group of organizations or agencies who make a formal, long-term commitment to work together to accomplish a common mission.

3. Coalitions • Build upon the mission of “one common goal,” which is serving neighbors with long-term health needs • Involve congregations of all faiths that reflect the diversity of the community • Include an array of community civic organizations, health agencies, businesses and community offices • Value community ownership, collaboration and leadership in your program

4. Why have a coalition? To have an impact beyond what any one group could do alone.

5. Why have a coalition? • Serves the public good – support of a common mission that is larger than any single vision • Provides access to shared resources • Builds community leadership • Increases visibility with decision makers, the media and the larger community • Helps remove competition and duplication • Promotes a continuum of care

6. Faith congregations Community organizations Human service agencies Health care providers Civic and county offices Businesses Local media Schools and universities Others Who are members of a coalition?

7. Volunteers Outreach and community awareness Leadership on board and committees Referrals for care receivers In-kind support (printing, office supplies, Internet services, publicity) Financial support (monthly pledge, special fundraisers, offertory gift) Pro bono (donated) support (legal, accounting, marketing) Promote enduring awareness of Faith in Action in their own congregations and organizations What can coalition members offer your program?

8. Opportunities to fulfill their call to service Occasions to have an impact on meeting the needs of their congregants and neighbors Connections to the community at large and to other faith groups through an interfaith commitment to caregiving Services and referrals for neighbors, congregants and constituents Opportunities to lead and serve as role models Visibility through special events and monthly newsletter Education on special populations, caregiving, or community resources What can you offer yourcoalition members?

9. Show respect and do your homework General beliefs Appropriate attire Addressing the faith leaders Relevant teachings Use existing connections Care receivers Volunteers Board members Current coalition members Be persistent Personalized letter Phone call Drop in to set up an appointment Include faith leaders Pastor, rabbi, priest, etc. Important committees Special groups Offer educational and informational sessions for the congregation Training for volunteers Seminars and support for family caregivers Getting Your Foot in the Door:Faith Congregations

10. Do your homework Know a little about the business- who are their customers and employees Explore which department in the business coordinates volunteers, charitable gifts and community involvement (community affairs, human resources, and marketing) Be professional Personalized letter Phone call to set up an appointment Use existing connections Special events Community boards and committees Chamber of Commerce Communicate the Benefits Increased community awareness Employee volunteer opportunities Education and referral information Getting Your Foot in the Door:Local Businesses

11. Find synergy in common services and mission More cost effective More time efficient Propose potential collaborations Cross referrals for care receivers and volunteers Training partnerships Special events Vendor leverage Use existing connections Current volunteers Current care receivers Current coalition members Support community-wide efforts Local task forces Professional associations Civic clubs Benefits Share resources, publicity and connections Connections to new areas of the community Getting Your Foot in the Door:Other Agencies & Organizations

12. What to Say Once You Are in the Door… • Listen first • Share program fact sheet • Share brochures and clippings • Identify other coalition members • Highlight benefits to faith group • List contributions to Faith in Action • Communicate expectations of coalition members • Listen again Be brief and organized!

13. Successful coalition building is an ongoing process that must focus on nurturing and strengthening the relationship.

14. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Shared Vision A shared vision starts with understanding what each member of the coalition brings and expects from the collaboration and an agreement to work together toward the common goal of helping people with long-term health needs. Memorandum of Understanding Regularly reinforce the common mission of caregiving

15. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Leadership The Faith in Action program and board (or coalition committee) must provide consistent leadership for the coalition guiding the group toward the goals of Faith in Action while seeking to include and explore the members’ points of view and negotiating turf issues. Have coalition members on your board and committees

16. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Orientation A true coalition provides all members an opportunity for involvement and input on the shared vision of the program. Remember that change can bring about a certain level of discomfort. The key is to manage and channel the disagreements into useful solutions. Host monthly or quarterly meetings for the coalition and have regular communication with them through your monthly newsletter Use congregational liaisons or coordinators

17. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Multiple Perspectives Coalitions that are rich in diversity and that reflect the various groups and organizations in your community benefit from multiple perspectives and creative solutions. Establish ground rules for all members such as no proselytizing, respect for others’ faiths, no compromising of your own faith and focus on needs and caregiving.

18. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Membership-Driven Agenda Members want to see that their participation is valued and effective. Explore what resources (financial, in-kind services, contacts, space and time) each member can contribute. Ongoing recognition program Congregation member survey

19. Keys to Deepening Your Relationship Accountability Accountability means identifying clear and measurable goals at the outset and then monitoring progress on a continual basis. Accountability focused coalitions set realistic expectations and demonstrate good stewardship of their resources. Coalition member survey and assessment Provide annual reports and monthly service updates