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Community Action Theory proposes three key developmental stages for effective coalitions, namely formation, maintenance and institutionalization (Butterfoss, et.al., 2002). Keeping that larger framework in mind, this section provides the reader with nine practical steps, suggestions and strategies for initiating a statewide fall prevention coalition in your state. Please note that many of the “Getting Started” ideas and recommendations are applicable to launching smaller regional or community fall prevention collaborative activities. Although the steps are outlined in a particular order, you may find you need to follow them in a different sequence or concurrently in order to “fit” your state’s needs.

Resources

The steps and recommendations offered in this compendium are largely offered through the State Coalition Workgroup as well as a variety of resources. Another key resource for this work is the coalition building framework outlined in the Community Tool Box. This user-friendly Web site includes detailed information about creating and maintaining coalitions and partnerships, assessing community needs and resources, developing strategic and action plans, writing a grant application for funding, and many other topics that will be highly useful in planning and developing a coalition; we recommend you include this resource in your preparation.

A wealth of information specific to the creation and maintenance of fall prevention coalitions can also be found at the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. The issue briefs that are available at this Web site are excellent for states or organizations that are considering the launch of a fall prevention coalition. Examples of available issue briefs include “Strategic Planning for Coalitions,” “Recruitment of Fall Prevention Coalition Members,” and “Integrating Fall Prevention Components into Existing Organizational Structures.”  The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, sponsored by the Archstone Foundation, is a leader in the field of falls prevention, primarily serving the state of California. Its tools, resources and issue briefs serve a broader audience, however, and the site is being utilized as a national resource.