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Community coalition building--contemporary practice and research: introduction
1AHEC/Community Partners, Office of Community Programs, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. twolff@ahecpartners.org
American Journal of Community Psychology
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Community coalitions have grown significantly in the U.S. over 20 years. This review examines their impact, lessons learned, and future questions for effective community change and evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Community Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Community coalition building has surged in prominence over the past two decades in America.
- Coalitions offer a framework for community psychologists and related professionals to engage with entire communities.
- This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of community change processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of community coalition building in both practice and research.
- To explore the reasons behind the rise in coalition activity.
- To identify key questions for improving coalition effectiveness and evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative review process involving multiple contributors from diverse disciplines.
- Incorporation of various formats to present findings.
- Inclusion of dialogues with national community experts from fields like public health, political science, and grassroots organizing.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on community coalition building.
- It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of coalition work.
- Dialogues with experts provide varied perspectives on challenges and successes.
Conclusions:
- Community coalition building is an evolving phenomenon with significant impact.
- Further research and critical questioning are essential for enhancing coalition effectiveness.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to understanding and advancing community change efforts.