Building a Coalition

Why build a coalition? Coalitions representing an array of community interests are more likely to influence policy makers, attract media attention and have an impact on funding decisions. This is particularly appropriate for public transportation because transit systems work through an intergovernmental partnership of federal, state and local support, along with user fees and private support.

Think of a coalition as a group of individuals or organizations that share common goals. It may be large, formal, and highly structured. Or it may be a may be small, informal and operate on an ad hoc or as-needed basis. Just as each local public transportation authority mirrors its size, characteristics, and priorities, local coalitions should reflect their unique characteristics and goals. A coalition gives you the maximum flexibility to adapt to your local needs.

The tools in this document are designed to help you develop and sustain a coalition of individuals and organizations that can communicate the benefits of public transportation in their communities to government officials, the media, and ultimately, the public in your community.

Benefits of a Transit Coalition

Many communities and transit systems already have informal coalitions or networks of support. At one time or another, local transportation authorities work with interest groups and community leaders toward a common goal. While these arrangements are often productive, a more inclusive coalition structure can offer additional benefits.

Regardless of the structure you choose, all coalitions are joined together for a common purpose, directly or indirectly serving the varying interests of each group. Coalitions can:

• Provide active, dedicated leadership, clearly established roles, and shared responsibilities among coalition members;
• Design and initiate an agenda of activities or events that involve a broad range of constituencies;
• Educate large target audiences, including media, public officials and other decision-makers, and the public about public transportation's diverse benefits, services and funding needs;
• Expand the strength, reach, and appeal of messages; i.e., opportunity, choice, access, and freedom/mobility
• Present a united front on a goal, making that goal more easily attainable;
• Share, coordinate and therefore expand resources of people, funding, expertise, and information;
• Provide a dynamic forum through which transit supporters can convey ideas and perspectives to decision-makers on a regular basis;
• Create new relationships and establish new alliances, which can expand and strengthen the coalition over the duration of a multi-year campaign.

Coalition Goals

Public transportation systems throughout the nation will face a variety of funding and infrastructure challenges. Major public policy decisions and legislative votes will occur in Washington, DC, state capitals, and local city and town halls that will determine the future of public transit in the United States for years to come.

To ensure that the voices of public transportation authorities and their supporters are heard, every local coalition should focus on at least two major goals:

1. National:
   To secure increased federal investment for public transportation by funding federal programs at much-needed levels.
2. Local:
   To secure increased state and local support and more flexibility for public transportation authorities in the use of federal, state and local funds.

Identifying Coalition Members

Your transit system has developed relationships with a broad range of organizations that share an interest in the viability and expansion of public transportation. Now is the time to capitalize on these relationships to build a local coalition or network of support. In turn, your contacts can help recruit other members of the coalition from the groups with which they have connections and rapport. Coalition members may include people from economic development organizations, environmental groups, human service agencies, unions, disability organizations, elderly groups, contractors, financial institutions, citizen transit groups, civic and community organizations, and businesses.

Approaching Past Partners:

To get your coalition off the ground, you and your key partners can start by approaching other organizations with which you have worked in the past and that benefit from public transportation. Be prepared to talk about how important your working relationship has been in the past -- and how vital it is for the future of public transportation to continue to work together.

Approaching Prospective New Members:

As you being developing a list of potential new members, give some thought to groups and individuals that benefit directly or indirectly from public transportation -- but with whom you don't yet have a working relationship. Seek out local chapters of national organizations that have a stake in supporting transit issues. Examples might include: AARP(formally known as the American Association of Retired People), many of whose members rely on public transportation for doctor's visits and grocery shopping; the Sierra Club, which is interested in reducing pollution and preserving natural resources; or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which seeks ways to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related automobile accidents, particularly among young drivers. Be prepared to cite specific ways that public transportation benefits these groups and improves the community's quality of life.

Groups to consider approaching include:

Business Groups and Professional Organizations

• Chambers of Commerce
• Downtown/Suburban Merchants' Associations
• Major Employers
• Transit-Related Businesses and Organizations
• Labor Unions and Professional Societies
• Real Estate Developers
• Real Estate Agents
• Financial Organizations
• Insurers
• Energy Suppliers

Citizen Groups, Social Service Organizations and Units of Local Government

• Human Service Agencies
• Health Groups and Providers
• Social Services Provider Groups (i.e., Welfare-to-Work)
• Civic Organizations
• Rider Organizations
• Environmental Groups
• Minority Organizations
• Organizations Representing the Disabled
• Senior Citizen Groups (i.e., AARP)
• Transportation Safety Groups (i.e., Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
• Neighborhood Committees
• Educational Institutions, Colleges, and Universities, including Administrators, Faculty, and Students
• Law Enforcement Groups
• State Government Officials
• County Government Officials
• City/Township Officials

Creating a Steering Committee

Whether you have a large, formal coalition or a small, informal group, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the prospect of contacting a long list of potential partners. Therefore, you might consider identifying a few active individuals who can serve as your coalition's steering committee.

Consider soliciting participation from prominent and respected community leaders: a major employer or union leader; president of the local chamber of commerce; director of local economic development; a spokesperson on issues dealing with the environment, senior citizens or minorities; head of a local charitable or community organization; etc.

If you expect to assemble a large coalition of supporters, the steering committee can serve as the group's leadership team. Members can help develop and guide the coalition's strategy, initiate and organize activities, and lead efforts to recruit new members. The steering committee can also take responsibility for selecting a chairperson or co-chairpersons, and for managing communications, meetings and other activities.

Selecting the Right Coalition Structure, Activities and Funding

The type of coalition that is right for your community will depend on several factors including resources, local issues, constituencies, and the appropriate mix of advocacy and public education. Selecting the structure that's right for your needs will set you and your allies on a course for success.

Structure Options:

There are five basic models that your transit authority can pursue:

1. Create a formal, broad-based transit coalition with designated leaders, a steering committee, and a wide range of traditional and non-traditional members;
2. Create a formal organization of traditional transit supporters;
3. Create an informal group of supporters that works cooperatively on a selected set of activities or events that promote public transportation messages and goals;
4. Participate in other existing coalitions that are promoting important transit messages on an as needed basis; or
5. Encourage members to undertake activities individually.

If you are creating a large coalition, you may choose to form committees among your coalition members to carry out specific roles and responsibilities. Examples of committee assignments might include: legislative, membership and recruitment, communications and media, finance, long range event planning, and special projects.

Issues and Activities Options:

Your coalition has a variety of options when deciding where to focus its resources and time:

1. Advocacy and education activities to promote the full range of public transportation issues and benefits (i.e., greater freedom and access for all constituencies, economic development, air quality improvement, traffic congestion relief, etc);
2. Focus on a few issues that are perceived to be priorities in your community and will generate the greatest local support for public transportation; or
3. Focus on a single, high-profile local project or problem that will advance local transit service and generate increased support.

Funding a coalition:

There are a variety of ways to fund coalition activities. Some suggested sources of funding include:

In-Kind Services: Many coalition members may be willing to provide selected services, products, staff time, etc., at no charge. Consider soliciting services to:

• Host coalition meetings
• Provide refreshments at meetings and events
• Provide copying, printing, graphics and/or postage
• Sponsor forums, conferences, events
• Provide legal advice and/or research
• Publicize coalition activities through company newsletters, employee bulletin boards, or civic organization meetings
• Draft letters, press releases, speeches, grant proposals
• Donate staff time to help prepare for meetings and plan activities

Transit Agency / Authority Support: Many local transit authorities or state transit associations may be willing to donate staff time and some resources to the coalition. Since transit agencies and associations provide the services the coalition is promoting, they can provide valuable information and data regarding transit funding, legislation, long-range plans, compliance with various federal laws, and other public transportation issues. At the same time, such agencies and authorities must be careful to avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest or involvement in any inappropriate political activities.

Membership Dues and Donations: Membership dues and donations can be established to help support coalition activities. Some coalitions have used this funding method to hire full or part-time staff. A membership dues scale can be devised to attract a variety of interests, including corporations, small businesses, labor groups, civic and community organizations, special interest groups and individuals. An attorney should be consulted to determine any legal requirements or state rules.

Grants: In addition to the APTA local transit coalition grant program, a variety of foundations, government agencies and other groups offer grants that may be appropriate for your coalition. A grant may help fund an educational program, a special regional or statewide forum on transit issues, or the coalition's operating costs. Local libraries have books on grant sources and how to write successful proposals.

Fundraising Activities: Fundraising activities can provide money as well as increased public exposure for your coalition and its members. Depending upon the coalition structure, a variety of activities may be appropriate. Some suggestions include:

• Sponsor a "Run for the Bus" race with a nominal entry fee for runners, and a discount if they join your coalition.
• Auction transit memorabilia or services donated by coalition members.
• Sponsor activities, forums or presentations that require a small entry or attendance fee.
• Ask a local artist to design and donate a special poster depicting a transit theme and sell copies.
• Sell special transit buttons, fare cardholders, T-shirts or other items to members, businesses, groups and individuals.
• Sponsor a transit rally in which participants complete a "course" designed to include every mode of public transportation such as buses, commuter rail, light rail, trolleys, subways, and possibly passenger ferries.

Planning Your Coalition's First Meeting

The first meeting of a coalition is very important. By the close of the meeting, members should leave with a commitment to collective action, shared purpose, and a specific set of tasks with clearly defined responsibilities and timelines. Here are a few ways to ensure a successful first meeting:

• Be certain that members, who are strong advocates of public transportation, attend the meeting and express enthusiastic support for the coalition.
• Send a letter to all potential members at least two weeks in advance of the meeting date. The letter should state that the meeting is to discuss formation of a local coalition to support transit in your community.
• Make follow-up telephone calls a few days before the meeting to all invitees. If an individual cannot attend, ask if a substitute can attend. Aim for the most influential representatives possible.
• Draft a tight agenda that covers all important issues and does not exceed two hours. A printed agenda will help you keep to the time limit. Include the following topics for discussion: reason for a coalition, its mission, how it will be governed, and the kinds of activities it will pursue. The agenda might also include a set of tasks that members can volunteer to perform. This will help create a sense of ownership and influence.
• Ask members to sign in when they arrive (i.e., name, organization, and contact information). Also, distribute your own business card and contact information, as well as enrollment forms.
• Expect questions. Prospective members are likely to ask about funding, leadership, and time commitments.
• Conclude the meeting with a clearly identified, written set of follow-up responsibilities.
• Follow-up with telephone calls to ensure that groups join. Some members will be more active than others. Allow members and groups to find their own comfort level with the coalition and their participation.