How can you make your coalition or network more resilient over time?

1 Build trust and solidarity

Trust and solidarity are the foundations of any coalition or network. They enable you to work together effectively, share resources and information, and support each other in times of crisis. To build trust and solidarity, you need to communicate regularly, respect each other's autonomy and diversity, and celebrate your achievements and learn from your failures. You also need to address any issues or conflicts that arise openly and constructively, and avoid blaming or shaming each other.

2 Nurture leadership and participation

Leadership and participation are essential for the vitality and resilience of your coalition or network. They ensure that you have a clear vision, strategy, and goals, and that you can mobilize and engage your members and allies. To nurture leadership and participation, you need to create opportunities for learning, mentoring, and skill-sharing, and encourage everyone to contribute their ideas, talents, and perspectives. You also need to foster a culture of accountability, feedback, and recognition, and acknowledge the contributions and challenges of your leaders and participants.

3 Embrace diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are key for the innovation and impact of your coalition or network. They allow you to tap into the richness and potential of your community, and to address the needs and interests of different groups and stakeholders. To embrace diversity and inclusion, you need to be aware of and challenge any biases, stereotypes, or barriers that may exclude or marginalize some people or perspectives. You also need to create spaces and platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation, and value the differences and commonalities among your members and allies.

4 Adapt to change and uncertainty

Change and uncertainty are inevitable in any social change process. They can pose risks or opportunities for your coalition or network, depending on how you respond to them. To adapt to change and uncertainty, you need to monitor and evaluate your environment, context, and results, and be ready to adjust your plans, tactics, and methods as needed. You also need to be flexible and creative, and experiment with new approaches and solutions, while staying true to your vision and values.

5 Seek support and collaboration

Support and collaboration are vital for the sustainability and resilience of your coalition or network. They enable you to access more resources, knowledge, and influence, and to leverage your collective power and voice. To seek support and collaboration, you need to identify and reach out to potential partners and allies, and build mutually beneficial relationships based on shared goals, values, and principles. You also need to coordinate and align your actions and messages, and amplify your impact and visibility.

6 Practice self-care and well-being

Self-care and well-being are crucial for the health and resilience of your coalition or network. They help you prevent and cope with stress, fatigue, and trauma, and to maintain your motivation and passion. To practice self-care and well-being, you need to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional needs, and set healthy boundaries and limits. You also need to support and care for each other, and create a safe and supportive environment where you can express your feelings, needs, and concerns.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?