LocalVictory.com : Building Local Coalitions, Part I

Building Local Coalitions (Part I)
by Joe Garecht

Grassroots Organizations are the key to Local Success.

Modern campaigns, whether national or local in nature, focus on building coalitions of people who are targeted by the campaign's message. These coalitions do part of the work of the campaign, by drawing in new members and spreading the campaign's message to

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interested parties. Which coalitions each campaign should build is a question of strategy, and will be discussed in another section of this site. This article assumes that various groups have already been targeted, and will focus on the nuts and bolts of building those coalitions.

Dual Option

The purpose of coalitions are to build grassroots organizations supporting the campaign and candidate. In utilizing coalitions, the campaign has two options: use pre-existing coalitions to build the grassroots organization, or build coalitions from the ground up. Each has advantages and disadvantages. These options can be used individually, or in conjunction, to effectively build support for the local campaign.

Pre-Existing Coalitions: Groups, Organizations and Clubs

Pre-existing coalitions exist in every community and neighborhood. Church groups, community organizations, parent teacher associations and civic groups are examples of already formed entities with active members who share common concerns.

The distinct advantage to using pre-existing coalitions is that they are already packaged -- a group of like minded individuals exists with structure and organization, and often includes "doers" rather than just "sayers." Of course, there are also disadvantages. The group has set leadership and direction, and may be reluctant to feel as if it is being assumed by a campaign or somehow upended. The key is to make the groups "partners" with the campaign, instead of trying to make them part of the campaign.

Groups that the campaign wants to partner with should be approached before an individual announces his candidacy, or shortly thereafter. By meeting with the group leadership and asking for support before the campaign starts in earnest, the campaign makes groups feel part of the decision process, begins the relationship with positive communication, and improves chances that the group will be more favorably disposed to the idea of partnering with the campaign.

When approaching the organization, a candidate should meet with the leaders of each group, and eventually with the entire leadership hierarchy. It is important for the candidate to be frank about his stand on issues pertaining to the individual organization. Nothing kills a coalition faster than dishonesty in initial meetings. The campaign should ask for the outright support of the group, if this is possible, although some groups may not (or may be legally unable to) support political candidates outright. The leadership of such groups should still be approached, in order for positive inclinations toward the candidate to be created.

Campaign Goals

There are several goals for the campaign when partnering with existing groups and organizations: First and foremost, the campaign wants to gain votes, and the group is a prime source of voters. Second, the campaign should seek to garner volunteers from the group. Third, press coverage may develop out of endorsements by key groups. Finally, financial support from the group, or its members, can be raised for the candidate through the partnership.

In return for these things, the campaign should promise to keep the group updated on its activities through continued contact, including future meetings between the group's leadership (or entire membership) and the candidate. The organization will want to feel as if it is "in the loop," and the campaign must make sure that this happens.

Read Part II of this Article