Creating partnerships and/or coalitions can be incredibly valuable in ensuring that your voice and priorities are shared and communicated with the press, the public, and policymakers. Often, community problems or issues are too large and complex for any one person or organization to tackle. In these circumstances, forming a partnership or a coalition can be an effective strategy for changing the programs and policies needed to solve the identified problem or achieve the sought-after goal. There can be great reward in sharing a joint and unified agenda with others in your community. In addition to working with those who share your goals, partnerships can often help achieve your desired impact. However, just like any other activity that typically involves volunteers, there can also be challenges when forming something new and untested. 

An effective partnership or coalition needs to have a defined purpose and actionable strategies if it is to be successful. 

Advantages of Partnerships/Coalitions
Enlarges base of support, networks, and connections
Provides support for members who may not be able to take action alone
Magnifies existing financial and human resources by pooling them together
Reduces duplication of effort/resources
Enhances the credibility and influence of an advocacy campaign
Helps develop new leadership skills among members
Assists in individual and organizational networking
Facilitates exchange of information, skills, experience, materials, collaboration, etc.
Brings together a diverse range of people and organizations
Provides peer support, encouragement, motivation, and professional recognition
Disadvantages of Partnerships/Coalitions
Can lack clear objectives or have objectives that are difficult for all to agree with
Can be very time consuming and take time away from the advocacy
May be dominated by one person or organization
May require compromise on issues or tactics
Can slow down decision making
May lack sufficient resources
Can be difficult to monitor and evaluate