Coalitions can be powerful tools for creating change, but they often face challenges that can derail progress. Here are the top five issues coalitions encounter and how to address them:
- Unclear or Conflicting Goals: Without a shared purpose, coalitions risk wasting time and resources. Align goals early through open discussions and a written mission statement.
- Lack of Trust and Poor Communication: Miscommunication and mistrust can lead to frustration and inefficiency. Use regular meetings, clear agendas, and consistent communication tools to keep everyone informed.
- Power Imbalances: Larger organisations often dominate, sidelining smaller groups. Rotate leadership roles, ensure fair decision-making, and provide resources to support equal participation.
- Limited Resources and Skills: Coalitions often struggle with funding, time, and expertise. Share resources, pool skills, and prioritise tasks based on capacity.
- Losing Momentum and Handling Conflict: Energy can fade, and disagreements may arise. Regularly reconnect with shared goals and address conflicts directly to maintain unity.
Coalition Building Strategies for Difficult Collaborators
Challenge 1: Unclear or Conflicting Goals
When coalition members come together with differing visions of success, progress often stalls. One group might push for immediate action, another might focus on long-term policy changes, while others may prioritise community education or media engagement. Without a shared understanding of the coalition’s purpose, meetings can become unproductive, resources may be misused, and members may start questioning the coalition’s effectiveness.
This issue is especially common when coalitions form quickly in response to urgent challenges. For instance, organisations might rally to oppose a proposed development threatening local green spaces or to fight cuts to public services. However, in their rush to unite, they may fail to clearly define a unified objective. The result? A coalition where groups are pulling in different directions.
What Causes This Problem
The root of the issue often lies in the distinct missions and values each organisation brings to the table. Imagine a local environmental charity that measures success by saving trees partnering with a housing advocacy group aiming to promote affordable homes. Without explicit discussions, these differing priorities can lead to confusion and misalignment.
Problems also arise when organisations assume everyone shares the same goals. For example, a trade union might join a coalition to protect workers’ rights, expecting the focus to remain on employment conditions. But if other members broaden the campaign to include wider economic justice issues, tensions can emerge. These misalignments can cause frustration and even resentment.
Resource allocation can become another sticking point. With limited funds, debates over whether to prioritise a public demonstration, a research report, or a community outreach programme can turn contentious. Organisations whose priorities are overlooked may quietly withdraw their support, taking valuable skills and connections with them.
Philosophical differences also play a role. Some members may prefer working within existing systems, building relationships with officials and policymakers. Others might favour disruptive tactics to force change. If these differences aren’t addressed early, they can surface at critical moments, undermining collective action.
How to Align Your Goals
Getting everyone on the same page early is key to avoiding fragmentation. Start with joint planning sessions before formally launching the coalition. Representatives from each group should openly discuss their goals and expectations. These conversations need to go beyond vague agreements - specific and measurable outcomes should be defined. For example, ask: What does success look like in six months? In two years? What compromises are acceptable, and what are deal-breakers?
Creating a shared, written framework can formalise these discussions. A mission statement and coalition charter can document objectives and working methods. A strong mission statement should be specific enough to guide decisions but broad enough to reflect each member’s core values. For instance, a goal like “ensuring sustainable development in Southwark by balancing environmental protection with affordable housing” is far more effective than a generic pledge to “improve the community.” The charter can also outline decision-making processes, resource-sharing agreements, and how to handle disagreements. Details like whether decisions require unanimous consent or a simple majority, the frequency of meetings, and who speaks to the media should all be addressed.
Regular check-ins are essential. Quarterly reviews allow coalition members to reassess shared objectives and ensure everyone feels their priorities are being addressed. These sessions help maintain alignment without reopening settled debates. Tackling discontent early prevents it from escalating into larger issues.
Visual tools, such as a shared goals chart, can also help ensure that new initiatives align with the coalition’s priorities. Clear alignment from the start sets the stage for meaningful progress.
Challenge 2: Lack of Trust and Poor Communication
Clear communication is the backbone of any successful collaboration. Without it, even the best intentions can fall apart. Trust, which is equally important, often crumbles when communication falters. When coalition members don't trust each other, they might withhold information, question decisions, or hesitate to commit resources. Poor communication only deepens these issues, creating a vicious cycle where misunderstandings fuel mistrust, and mistrust further damages communication.
The fallout can be severe - duplicated efforts, missed updates, and members left unprepared. In the worst cases, trust breaks down entirely, and some members bypass the coalition altogether, undermining its purpose.
This issue becomes especially tricky when coalitions bring together organisations with contrasting work styles. For instance, a grassroots community group used to informal WhatsApp chats may struggle to connect with a larger charity that relies on formal emails and scheduled calls. Volunteer-led groups may feel alienated by jargon or assumptions about shared policy knowledge. If these differences aren't addressed, some members may feel excluded or undervalued.
Common Communication Problems
Several recurring issues tend to strain communication and trust:
- Inconsistent communication channels: One member might share updates via email, another in a Slack group, while others assume everyone checks the shared Google Drive. Key decisions get lost, and newer members often struggle to access basic information like meeting schedules or contact lists.
- Unspoken assumptions: Misunderstandings about capacity and intent can harm relationships. A large, well-funded organisation might assume a smaller group can dedicate staff time to a project, not realising they're entirely volunteer-run. Conversely, smaller groups might view formal processes as unnecessary bureaucracy rather than essential accountability.
- Information hoarding: Whether intentional or accidental, failing to share relevant updates can hinder progress. For example, one member might have a vital contact at the local council but never mention it, or another might forget to inform the group about an important deadline. Sometimes this happens because people don't realise the information is relevant; other times, organisations may guard what they see as competitive advantages, even in a collaborative setting.
- Language barriers: Different professional backgrounds can lead to unintentional hierarchies, where those who "speak the language" dominate discussions, sidelining others.
- Passive-aggressive behaviour: Avoiding open disagreements can signal deeper trust issues. For instance, a member might agree to a decision during a meeting but fail to act on it later, or they might voice criticisms in private conversations rather than addressing concerns directly.
These challenges highlight the need for structured approaches to rebuild trust and improve communication.
How to Improve Communication
Set regular meeting schedules to create predictability and help members plan their time. For example, holding coalition meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM ensures everyone can block off time in advance. Smaller working groups can meet more frequently to tackle specific tasks without requiring full attendance.
Distribute clear agendas and minutes to keep everyone informed. Sharing agendas 48 hours before meetings and circulating minutes promptly afterwards ensures decisions and action points are documented. This prevents confusion and keeps members aligned.
Appoint a communication coordinator to streamline processes. This person can maintain a contact directory with key representatives, preferred communication channels, and typical response times. The role doesn't need to be paid - a volunteer can take it on, with the responsibility rotating every six months to prevent burnout and give different organisations a chance to understand the coalition's communication needs.
Stick to primary communication platforms to avoid scattered conversations. Choose a few tools - such as email for formal updates and a messaging app for informal chats - and ensure they're accessible to all. Not everyone has access to the latest technology, and some organisations may have restrictions on certain platforms.
Be transparent about limitations. Organisations should openly discuss their constraints. For example, if a group is undergoing internal restructuring and can't take on new projects for a few months, saying so upfront avoids misunderstandings. Similarly, explaining funding restrictions can clarify why some organisations can't participate in certain activities.
Foster informal connections. Building personal relationships is just as important as formal communication. Starting meetings with quick updates about members' organisations (beyond coalition business) helps humanise participants. Casual gatherings, like a post-meeting drink or a summer barbecue, create opportunities for informal conversations that strengthen trust.
Prioritise accessibility. Meetings should be available both in-person and via video call, and agendas should use plain language without unexplained acronyms. Consider members' varying schedules, responsibilities, and practices when planning meetings. Rotating times occasionally ensures no single group is consistently disadvantaged.
Establish feedback loops to identify and address communication issues. A simple quarterly survey can ask questions like, "Do you feel informed about coalition activities?" or "What communication challenges have you faced?" Acting on this feedback shows that the coalition values its members’ experiences, reinforcing trust.
When problems do arise - and they inevitably will - address them directly and promptly. For instance, if an organisation consistently misses deadlines, a private conversation can uncover the reasons behind this. Perhaps they're overwhelmed and need support, or maybe there's been a misunderstanding about expectations. These discussions require tact but are crucial for preventing resentment from building up.
Challenge 3: Power Imbalances Between Members
Coalitions often bring together organisations of vastly different sizes and resources. A well-funded national charity, equipped with paid staff, legal expertise, and media connections, operates on a completely different level compared to a volunteer-run community group meeting in someone’s living room. While this diversity can strengthen a coalition, it can also create tension when these differences translate into unequal influence over decisions, priorities, and operations.
This imbalance can lead to a two-tier system where smaller groups feel marginalised, weakening community ties and the coalition’s credibility. When grassroots organisations are excluded from meaningful participation, the coalition risks losing touch with the very communities it aims to represent. Decisions made without their input may lack local relevance or fail to address critical issues. Over time, this can cause smaller members to disengage quietly or, in some cases, publicly criticise the coalition, damaging its reputation and undoing years of relationship-building.
Recognising these dynamics is the first step to addressing and balancing these inequalities.
How to Spot Power Imbalances
Identifying power imbalances requires a close look at how the coalition operates. If the same voices dominate meetings or technical jargon leaves others feeling excluded, it’s a clear sign of a hidden hierarchy. Pay attention to whose ideas are developed and acted upon versus whose contributions are acknowledged but largely ignored. Also, notice whether certain organisations are always consulted on major decisions, while others only hear about the outcomes.
Decision-making processes often reveal inequalities. A coalition may claim to operate democratically, but if key decisions are made informally by a select few, smaller members are effectively sidelined. Similarly, if participation requires extensive documentation or formal proposals, organisations without the administrative resources to keep up are left at a disadvantage.
Practical barriers can also exclude smaller groups. Meetings held during standard working hours (09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday) assume participants have flexible paid time, which many grassroots volunteers don’t. The choice of venue matters too - corporate boardrooms can feel alienating to activists more accustomed to community spaces.
High resource demands can further marginalise smaller organisations. Coalition activities that assume access to paid tools, professional services, or dedicated staff can leave these groups struggling to participate. When larger members step in to take over tasks, it centralises control and risks turning smaller groups into passive participants rather than active partners.
Leadership structures often reflect these imbalances. If steering committees, working group chairs, or spokesperson roles are dominated by larger organisations, power becomes concentrated, even if smaller groups are nominally included. Without the capacity to take on these roles, smaller members remain on the sidelines, perpetuating inequity.
Spotting these indicators is crucial before taking steps to create a more balanced and inclusive coalition.
How to Create Fair Participation
Addressing power imbalances takes more than good intentions - it requires deliberate structural changes. Rotating facilitation roles can help shift dynamics and ensure every member’s contribution is valued. Offering mentorship or brief training for new facilitators can build confidence and capacity while redistributing influence.
Consensus decision-making can level the playing field, but it needs to be implemented thoughtfully. Instead of simple majority votes - which often favour larger organisations - consider processes that address concerns from all members. For example, routine decisions might require a simple majority, strategic decisions could need consensus, and fundamental changes might call for unanimous agreement. Documenting these thresholds ensures transparency and clarity.
Providing multiple ways to participate allows members to engage in ways that suit their capacities. Not everyone can attend every meeting or serve on every working group, but they might contribute through specific tasks, share expertise, or connect the coalition with their communities. Valuing these contributions equally is key.
Practical barriers can also be addressed through a resource-sharing fund. Larger organisations could contribute funds that smaller members can use for coalition-related expenses, such as travel, childcare, printing, or software subscriptions. This ensures that all members can participate fully without straining their resources.
Using plain language in discussions fosters inclusivity. Avoiding jargon - or explaining technical terms when necessary - helps everyone follow the conversation. A shared glossary of common acronyms and concepts can also be a useful reference, especially for newer members.
Scheduling meetings thoughtfully can maximise participation. Rotating meeting times between mornings, afternoons, and evenings accommodates different schedules. Hybrid options allow those unable to travel to join remotely, and providing at least two weeks’ notice or recording sessions for later review can help overcome attendance challenges.
Meaningful representation of marginalised groups goes beyond tokenism. When the coalition’s work affects specific communities, their voices must be genuinely heard. This might involve compensating representatives for their time, offering mentorship, or creating safe spaces for open dialogue.
Regular power audits can help keep imbalances in check. Setting aside time each year to review decision-making processes, participation levels, and representation ensures the coalition evolves with its members’ needs. An external facilitator can provide unbiased insights during these reviews.
Accountability mechanisms reinforce fairness. These could include appointing a confidential contact for concerns, conducting regular surveys on coalition dynamics, or holding structured feedback sessions. Importantly, raising issues must lead to real change, not defensive responses.
Finally, distributing visibility and credit fairly ensures all members are recognised. Celebrate achievements by highlighting contributions from both large and small organisations. When external opportunities arise, such as media appearances or meetings with funders, rotate spokesperson roles to give representatives from different groups a chance to step forward.
Building fair participation is an ongoing effort. Power dynamics shift as organisations grow, members change, and external circumstances evolve. These measures provide a foundation for more equitable coalition dynamics and a way to move forward together.
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Challenge 4: Limited Resources and Skills
Even the most enthusiastic coalitions can hit a wall when resources are scarce. Keeping the momentum going often hinges on overcoming these limitations. Unlike well-funded organisations with dedicated staff and budgets, coalitions frequently operate on tight finances, rely on volunteer efforts, and share resources like meeting spaces. This lack of resources can impact everything from organising events to running campaigns, often stalling progress once the initial enthusiasm fades.
The issue isn't just about money. Time, specialised skills, equipment, and physical space are equally important. A coalition might have incredible ideas but lack someone who can design graphics, manage social media, or handle legal complexities. When these gaps aren't addressed, projects can grind to a halt, leaving members frustrated. Over time, the burden often falls on a small group of active members, whose limited availability can dictate the coalition's progress. This makes long-term planning a challenge and increases the risk of burnout. Additionally, resource constraints can impact how the coalition is perceived externally; without professional materials or a consistent online presence, potential partners, funders, and media outlets may view the group as less credible.
These challenges are not abstract - they show up in very real ways.
What Resource Problems Look Like
Resource limitations can take many forms. Financial struggles are often the most visible. Coalitions rarely have steady income streams, instead relying on sporadic donations, small grants, or members’ personal contributions. This makes it difficult to cover even basic expenses like printing flyers, booking venues, maintaining websites, or purchasing campaign materials.
Skills gaps are another common hurdle. Essential tasks like writing press releases, managing databases, or facilitating discussions may go undone if no one in the group has the right expertise. On top of that, outdated or insufficient technology - like unreliable internet or old equipment - can further slow progress.
How to Fill Resource Gaps
Addressing resource constraints requires a mix of practical steps and strategic thinking. Start with an honest assessment of your coalition’s needs - not lofty goals, but the essential requirements to operate effectively. Break this down into categories like recurring costs (e.g., website hosting or meeting spaces), one-off expenses (e.g., event materials or training sessions), time commitments (who does what and when), and necessary skills (e.g., communication, administration, or facilitation). Then, take stock of what’s already available within your network: members’ skills, access to equipment, and possible in-kind contributions.
This process often uncovers hidden resources. For instance, a member might have graphic design skills they’ve never mentioned, another might have access to free meeting spaces, or someone could offer discounted printing services.
Going a step further, community and movement mapping can help identify resources outside your core group. Imagine concentric circles representing your broader network - individuals, organisations, and groups in your community. Those with closer ties or greater relevance sit near the centre. This exercise can highlight potential allies and untapped resources. Similarly, influence mapping - plotting potential partners based on their alignment with your goals and their local influence - can help prioritise external support.
Another effective approach is task-sharing based on capacity. Instead of expecting equal contributions from everyone, acknowledge that members have different schedules and skill sets. Create a list of tasks with varying time commitments, from small monthly roles to more substantial responsibilities, and let members choose what fits their availability. This ensures all contributions are valued without overburdening the most active members.
Pooling resources is also critical. Larger member organisations might contribute to a shared fund for collective expenses, while smaller groups can offer volunteer time or community connections. In-kind contributions, like free meeting spaces, printing services, or legal advice, can often be more valuable than cash. For example, activist merchandise - such as t-shirts or badges from Rebelwear UK - can serve dual purposes: creating a unified image for events while also generating modest income to support coalition activities.
Building internal skills through training and knowledge-sharing strengthens the coalition as well. A member skilled in social media could lead a workshop, while someone experienced in fundraising might guide others on writing grant applications. This approach reduces dependency on a single person and ensures that knowledge stays within the group, even if key members leave.
Phased planning is another way to work within resource limits. Start by identifying what can be achieved immediately with current resources, what might need moderate support, and what requires significant investment. This step-by-step approach prevents overcommitment and allows the coalition to demonstrate smaller successes before scaling up.
Finally, regular reviews of your coalition’s resource capacity are essential. Check in every few months to evaluate what’s working, where resources are stretched too thin, and whether new opportunities have emerged. This proactive approach helps address small issues before they grow into bigger problems.
Filling resource gaps isn’t about finding a single fix - it’s about combining multiple strategies that suit your coalition’s unique situation. By creating sustainable practices and valuing every contribution, you can avoid relying on a handful of overworked volunteers and keep your coalition moving forward.
Challenge 5: Losing Momentum and Handling Conflict
Coalitions often begin with a burst of enthusiasm, but maintaining that energy over time can be tough. The initial excitement can fade as the day-to-day work takes over.
What Leads to Conflict and Burnout
When differences in values or approaches go unchecked, they can lead to disagreements that chip away at unity. Over time, this friction can leave members feeling drained. Just as trust and clear goals are essential for building strong coalitions, addressing conflicts head-on is key to keeping the group energised.
How to Maintain Momentum and Resolve Conflicts
To prevent energy from dwindling, it’s essential to actively manage disagreements. Start by understanding what drives each partner - their motivations, values, and deal-breakers. This insight can help you resolve issues before they grow into bigger problems. Reconnecting with the coalition’s shared purpose can also renew commitment and smooth over tensions.
Tools to Support Coalition Building
Overcoming major obstacles is just the beginning. To ensure long-term success, coalitions need the right tools to strengthen their efforts. From fostering a shared identity to improving coordination across locations, these resources help keep operations running smoothly.
How Activist Merchandise Can Help
Wearing apparel with a unified message or symbol not only fosters a sense of belonging among coalition members but also increases public awareness of your cause.
Think about it: a t-shirt with a powerful slogan like "Be The Change" or "Stop Eating Animals" can spark conversations on the high street, at community events, or during protests. It’s a simple yet effective way to amplify your message beyond your immediate group.
For example, Rebelwear UK specialises in activist merchandise tailored for campaign groups. Their collection includes designs promoting social justice, environmental awareness, and political activism, with prices starting at £16.99. The "Rebelwear Originals" line features bold statements that help coalitions stand out at rallies, meetings, and public events.
Whether your focus is Palestinian solidarity, animal rights, or environmental justice, coordinated apparel helps members easily identify each other in crowded spaces while signalling unity to onlookers. Beyond the visibility factor, merchandise can also serve as a fundraising tool. Selling items like t-shirts or tote bags generates funds to reinvest in campaign activities while spreading your message even further.
While merchandise boosts visibility in public spaces, digital tools are key to keeping everything organised behind the scenes.
Digital Tools for Better Coordination
Clear and consistent communication is the backbone of any successful coalition. As one chief executive famously stated, "communication, communication, communication". Digital platforms make it easier to maintain this flow of information, especially when members are geographically dispersed.
Shared documents are invaluable for collaborative strategy development, campaign planning, and minute-taking. Real-time updates reduce the risk of misunderstandings and ensure everyone stays informed about the latest developments.
Messaging apps are great for quick updates and urgent decisions, ensuring momentum isn’t lost between formal meetings. Virtual meeting platforms, on the other hand, allow regular check-ins and working group discussions when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible. Meanwhile, project management tools help track responsibilities, deadlines, and progress across different teams.
Maintaining communication at all levels - from core members to partner organisations - ensures cohesion and avoids mixed messaging. Additionally, having a coordinated approach to public messaging helps prevent inconsistencies or disagreements.
With the right combination of merchandise and digital tools, coalitions can strengthen their presence both in public and behind the scenes.
Conclusion: Building Strong Coalitions
Building a coalition is no walk in the park, but understanding the typical hurdles can make the process far smoother. Issues like conflicting goals, poor communication, unequal power dynamics, limited resources, and potential conflicts often stand in the way of a coalition's success.
The key to overcoming these challenges lies in aligning everyone around a shared vision, nurturing authentic relationships, and addressing power imbalances openly. These steps lay the groundwork for long-term success.
It's also crucial to establish clear protocols for decision-making, conflict resolution, and participation. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. Consistent communication across all levels of the coalition is vital, especially when coordinating public messages or campaign efforts.
Strong coalitions don’t happen by chance - they're the result of deliberate effort. Building relationships across all members, not just the leadership, is particularly important, especially in groups where turnover is high. A solid organising plan that outlines meeting schedules, decision-making processes, and ways to onboard new members can greatly strengthen the coalition's structure.
Moving Forward
To keep your coalition thriving, focus on continuous improvement. Stay flexible as circumstances shift - whether due to political changes, shifting campaign goals, or the addition of new groups.
Make it a habit to review your coalition’s practices annually, addressing any emerging issues promptly to maintain momentum. By anticipating potential divisive topics and agreeing on how to handle them ahead of time, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions. Regularly revisiting and reinforcing your shared vision keeps everyone aligned.
Fostering a culture where disagreements are resolved privately while presenting a united front publicly enhances both credibility and impact. When every member feels valued and part of a unified effort, your coalition can deliver meaningful change within communities across the UK.
FAQs
How can coalitions ensure fair collaboration between larger and smaller organisations?
To encourage equitable collaboration, coalitions should focus on shared objectives and mutual respect. Begin by pinpointing common priorities and making sure every member has a genuine chance to contribute. Developing intentional and strong relationships between organisations, regardless of their size, can build trust and encourage mutual understanding.
Setting up clear decision-making processes from the beginning is crucial. This ensures smaller organisations feel empowered and that their perspectives are given equal weight. Maintaining open communication and practising transparency can help balance power dynamics and keep the partnership effective and harmonious.
How can you keep a coalition motivated when initial excitement starts to wane?
To keep a coalition moving forward, prioritise clear communication. Make sure every member understands their role and the group’s shared purpose. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate small achievements - this boosts morale and reinforces the sense of progress.
Being adaptable is just as important. As situations evolve, adjust goals to ensure the coalition stays focused and meaningful. Creating a sense of belonging and shared ownership can also deepen commitment. Encourage open conversations and tackle challenges together - this builds resilience and strengthens the group's unity over time.
How can coalitions handle philosophical differences among members to avoid conflicts?
To navigate philosophical differences within a coalition, the focus should remain on shared goals and values. Begin by pinpointing areas where everyone aligns and emphasise these common objectives. Keeping communication open and respectful is crucial for understanding differing viewpoints and tackling potential conflicts before they grow into larger issues.
When disputes do occur, leaning on negotiation and compromise can help preserve unity. Setting clear rules for how decisions are made and conflicts are resolved ensures every member feels acknowledged and respected, creating a foundation for effective collaboration.