The large number of public and private organizations involved reinforces the fact that urban runoff issues have widespread public importance. The coalition helps to demonstrate this to media representatives. Another compelling reason for the coalition s existence is limited staff resources. Across organizations, many staff have only part of their time devoted to water quality education. The coalition provides a place for staff to combine resources and share information.
Representatives meet quarterly as a group and also participate in one of three subcommittees.
A newspaper subcommittee drafts articles. A television subcommittee is discussing how to break into television air-time. At the coalition s quarterly meetings, the subcommittees share their materials with the group, and all group members leave meetings with a packet of new materials they can use in information and education efforts. Initiative is the first requirement. Next are some very practical steps.