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Step Seven: Sustaining the Coalition
The key to a successful fall prevention coalition is to sustain the momentum after the initial launch. The literature is clear and the practical application of the research has been verified by the Workgroup members: Sustaining the momentum entails focusing your efforts on the three components of the coalition, namely program, membership and resources. Here are recommendations to sustain each area of focus:
Program
- Ensure that the coalition’s mission, goals, and action plans are clearly articulated, and revisit them periodically.
- Accommodate ongoing learning and assessments, changes in membership, and coalition priorities.
- Delineate clear roles and responsibilities for carrying out program activities. The coalition leadership should be committed to the effort and keep the coalition on track and running smoothly.
- Designate a point person or organization that is “the glue” to coordinate the coalition activities and communications.
- Be accountable. Track and review successes; celebrate progress!
Membership
- Communicate regularly with coalition members. Effective methods of communication used by existing state fall prevention coalitions include scheduled meetings, listservs, conference calls, newsletters, and Web sites.
- Build relationships between coalition members. Recognize that this process takes time.
Resources
- Pursue fund development. Even a small amount of funding or in-kind contributions can go a long way. Some states are moving forward with no specific funding for their fall prevention coalition; the coalition coordinator and respective organization are donating time to the effort while the coalition pursues funding sources.
- Develop community support. Build a base of support via the actions the coalition undertakes to achieve its goals; promote and publicize the coalition’s efforts.
- Solicit resources (donating meeting space, teleconference capabilities, technology, printing, communications, training, etc.) from as many coalition members and stakeholders as possible to share the responsibility and keep everyone engaged.
For other strategies on sustaining the work of your coalition, you are encouraged to explore the following Web sites:
Coalition Ideas Corner: Sustainability--The Life of a Coalition
Community Tool Box: Sustaining the Work or Initiative
Community Tool Box: Diagnosing the Health of Your Coalition
