Networking happens when individuals or groups come together to share information or resources or get to know each other. It is a gathering of information and people all for a common purpose. For non-profit advocates with limited resources, networking helps to expand the available resources. Coalitions are similar, but they’re more action oriented. A coalition is a group of individuals and/or organizations with a common interest working together toward a common goal. To help disability advocates network and build coalitions, the Disability Advocacy Support Hub (DASH) has put together a resource toolkit on networking and coalition building. DASH is a project of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania through a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
Most of the links take you to publications developed by other organizations. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement of any other organizations. We hope these publications will help you to become actively involved in making a difference for people with disabilities in your community and on the state and national levels.
For questions or concerns about this toolkit, please contact Lan Do, Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, at [email protected], 800-692-7443 ext. 312 (voice), 877-375-7139 (TDD).
Networking
5 Common Misconceptions that Make you Bad at Networking
Innovation Network for Communities Materials
Case Study on Networking through Social Media
Organizing Rather than Mobilizing: Using Social Networks for Constituency-Building
The What, Why, and How of Coalition Building
Community Tool Box’s Coalition Building I: Starting a Coalition
Grassroots Organizing-Coalition Building
In-depth Guide to Coalition Building
Developing Statewide Alliances to Create Policy Change
Strategic Partnerships: How to Create and Maintain Interorganizational Collaborations and Coalitions (with video lectures)
Community Organizing Video by DASH
Maintaining a Coalition
Community Tool Box’s Coalition Building II: Maintaining a Coalition
How to Host Effective Coalition Meetings
Ethical Issues in Building and Maintaining Coalitions: A 10-Step Decision-Making Model for Choosing between Right and Right
Other Resources for Coalition Building
Advocacy University documents and links to Coalition Building from American Library Association
Coalition Building Blocks Worksheet by Englin Consulting, LLC
Community Organizing by Disability Rights Network of PA
Action Strategies for Effective Coalitions from the National Council on Disability
Programs and Coalitions of California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
IMPORTANT: This publication is for general informational purposes only. This publication is not intended, nor should be construed, to create an attorney-client relationship between the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) and any person. Nothing in this publication should be considered to be legal advice.
PLEASE NOTE: For information in alternative formats or in a language other than English, contact DRN at 800-692-7443, Ext. 400; TDD: 877-375-7139; or [email protected].
