Forming Coalitions

There is strength in numbers. Consider aligning your organization (yacht club, sailing association, fishing group) with other like-minded groups to form a coalition. Lawmakers are more likely to listen to an organization representing 100 constituents than 10.

Bring various groups or individuals together under “one umbrella,” forming a common, broad-based goal, (e.g., “protecting public access to Big Bay” or “continued funding for state boating programs.”) or engaging in joint activities (shore clean-up, marsh grass planting) are great ways to form a coalition.

Establish the Coalition - Find Your Allies

Who are likely allies? Who else has a stake in your issue? (marina operators, boat dealerships, retailers, yacht clubs, service organizations, USPS, USCGA, state marine trade associations, chambers of commerce)

Get together: Host an event to get likely allies talking with each other.

Select officers, if necessary and especially a “point person” who will handle communications among coalition members, such as group e-mail.

The Internet has made organizing this a lot easier (search Web sites, news articles, discussion boards, e-mail list serves); post a query on one of the BoatUS.com messageboards.

State marine trade associations, state boating agencies may know of organizations likely to join your cause.

Stay Focused

Meet on some sort of regular basis (monthly, quarterly) to keep lines of communication open, should a crisis arise.

Hold events to keep your coalition active (fund-raisers, work days, public education events, letter-writing campaigns)

Review coalition goals periodically; revise as new conditions arise (changes in state and local government, coalition member organizations added, new issues/threats develop)

Be willing to evolve; the issues that brought groups together may change or be resolved; don’t worry – the next issue is probably right around the corner!


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