Shared Power for Social Change

1. Shared Power for Social Change Molly Cisco—Wisconsin Heather McDonald—Connecticut Darby Penney—New York Ann Rider—Washington

2. co·a·li·tion noun \ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən\ 1a: the act of coalescing b: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements  2: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action Definition of Coalition

3. To grow together • To unite into a whole  • To unite for a common end • To arise from the combination of distinct elements In Other Words . . .

4. Significant or disturbing community events (Tucson, Newtown) • Changes in circumstances or regulations (Outpatient Commitment laws) • The need to create significant change in the community (reforming hospitals and/or services) • Shared issues and/or constituencies (economic justice) Why Build a Coalition?

5. Networking & shared info/ resources • Shared mission and/or cause • Power in numbers • Access to media • Support of like-minded others • Opportunity to learn new skills Advantages of Coalition

6. Takes time to work together • Requires compromise • Allocation of scarce resources to coalition may create challenges • Loss of individual/organizational identity as part of coalition Disadvantages of Coalition

7. Share leadership and power—build an inclusive horizontal organizational structure • Open honest communication—always tell the truth and no secrets • Inclusive and participatory—everyonehas a role, everyone is a leader • Reach out—bewelcoming and inviting Getting Started

8. Share the vision—keep the focus on the mission and vision of the coalition • Set concrete, achievable goals—and build on success • Be creative—with internal and external resources, messaging and action Getting Started

9. Be realistic, and keep promises—dowhat you say you are going to do and ask for help when needed • Acknowledge diversity—beopen to others’ ideas and beliefs • Give credit where credit is due—sharethe recognition • Celebrate Successes Getting Started

10. Leadership Styles: The Key

11. Autocratic leadership: Everyone must obey the leader • Bureaucratic leadership: Go through proper channels • Charismatic leadership: Worship the leader • Democratic leadership: Everyone votes • Task-oriented leadership: Nose to the grindstone • Transactional leadership: Keep talking Traditional Types of Leadership: What works?

12. “Broadly sharing power and influence among a set of individuals rather than centralizing it in the hands of a single individual who acts in the clear role of a dominant superior.” • Katz, D., & Kahn, R. L. (1978). The Social Psychology of Organizations Shared Leadership

13. Participation • All members have the right and responsibility to participate in the building and sustaining of the coalition • Coalition building means members are informed, contribute to discussions, and are equal partners for the good of the coalition Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

14. Equality • Members are treated equally and without discrimination • Members are given equal opportunities to contribute to, learn from, and represent the coalition • Members share leadership and power, minimizing opportunities for abuse of power Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

15. Openness • The coalition ensures the rights of (and respect for) minority opinions • All participants are encouraged to express their opinions and ways to advance the coalition’s agenda • Decisions are openly communicated with a process for dispute resolution Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

16. Rights • The coalition establishes agreed-upon rights and freedoms of its members that can be guaranteed • The coalition protects the rights of members • Processes and principles are fairly and consistently implemented Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

17. Accountability • A strong coalition is accountable to its members for its actions, including how decisions are made and carried out • The coalition share its actions with members and seeks input before taking action Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

18. Create a Common Vision • Processes are in place to ensure members contribute to and support a shared vision and mission of the coalition • Common purpose and planned actions to achieve desired goals are agreed upon by members Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

19. Expectations • Expectations—of members and of the coalition—are agreed upon and clearly communicated • Everyone understands what is expected of them and what they can expect of others Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

20. Communication Plan • Communication strategies articulate the vision, purpose, and agenda of the coalition (brochures, media, press releases, buttons, flyers, etc.) • There is a plan for effective and open communication amongst members Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

21. NewMembers • The coalition recognizes that new members bring fresh ideas and energy to the coalition mix • The coalition works to reach out to new members and welcomes their immediate participation Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

22. Improvement • The coalition welcomes critical feedback as an opportunity to improve • There are frequent formal opportunities for members to identify areas of concern and a process for ensuring improvement Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

23. Celebrating Success • Members are routinely acknowledged for their participation and leadership within the coalition • Success is shared equally amongst the members of the coalition • There are formal opportunities for the membership to celebrate accomplishments Cornerstones of a Coalition with Shared Leadership

24. The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. Ralph Nader