1. 1. Resources.  The clear #1 advice from IL Community Coalitions is that a coalition/collaboration requires resources – the ability to commit staff time, financial, & in-kind resources to the efforts of the Coalition.

1. 2. Clear, Common Vision, Purpose & Goals.  Must have common goals/vision based on commitment to children & families that goes beyond loyalty to a program & is shared by at least 2 or more key people in the Coalition.  Must identify where every member fits into the vision/goal/purpose and have professional agreement to work toward the goals.  Commit to high standards.

1. 3. Openness & Commitment to Change.  Must be open to the possibility of doing things differently & open to learning & relearning what you thought you knew before in ways needed to meet the mission & purpose of the coalition.  Must be flexible, creative & adaptable.

1. 4. Communication & Cooperation.  Must be open and ongoing.

1. 5. Structure of Coalition.  Need: regularly scheduled (quarterly, monthly), concise meetings; flexibility in maintaining group meetings & schedules; operating procedures, committees, roles & responsibilities; and, good checks & balances, especially with financial resources.  Suggested to hold meetings at a different program/organization each time.

1. 6. Shared, Community-Rooted Leadership; Shared Decision-Making.  Need people willing to do their part & not drop the ball; committed participation.  Need to listen to the community & be driven by its needs.  Leaders must have vitality & persistence.  Members bring enough knowledge of community strengths & weaknesses to the table.

1. 7. Identify & Work Out Barriers.  Must be willing to work out issues, challenges, & disagreements.  Must brainstorm solutions & strategies to common Coalition, community & program challenges.

1. 8. Relationships.  It is important to have friends in a wide variety of places in the community & relationships that have spanned years.  Helps to have all partners at the table from the beginning.  Draw from individuals’ strengths.  Recognize champions & strive for non-competitiveness.  Members concerns are unified.

1. 9. Respect Each Other.  Know your partners & the services they offer.  Make sure every member has a chance to be heard.  Need implicit trust among key partners.  Broaden your frame of reference so you can “walk in my shoes.”

• 10. Evaluate & Re-Evaluate the Coalition.  Ensure it is able to meet the group’s needs related to purpose & structure.   Make certain that it can maintain longevity & meet & establish goals.  Evaluate performance & accomplishments.