Do not hesitate to contact organizations we have opposed in the past on other issues but which may share a common interest in our current battle. Make it a priority to approach groups who you know have influence in your community or with your legislator. If the organization cannot join the coalition, see if it will communicate on its own with the legislator or if interested individuals in the group will take some personal action on the issue. Establish which person from each organization will be the contact person with the coalition. This person would attend coalition meetings, clear joint actions of the coalition with his or her own organization, and help motivate his or her organization to commit additional attention to the lobbying effort.
Different groups have varied resources to devote to a coalition effort.
These resources may reflect intensity of interest in the issue or other demands on the organization's people and funds. The coalition should prepare specific tasks and activities in which groups can become involved, making it easier for groups to take part in activities at a level their resources permit. Organizations which are not interested or able to lobby actively may still be able and willing to educate and activate their members through meetings and newsletters. Overall principles for successful coalitions Make sure that every group and individual who is part of the coalition effort agrees to some basic understandings about coalition activities. A coalition needs to have a common understanding of the issue and shared goals, yet must have the flexibility to accommodate political and organizational differences.