Strengths of Local Tobacco Coalitions

• Embodying Community Diversity- Coalitions bring diverse representation to tobacco control efforts, not just racial/ethnic diversity, but political, professional and skill diversities.

•  Having a Better Combined Effort- Diverse organizations that partner to achieve a common goal often go beyond their organizations individual contributions. This allows them to become involved in new issues without having sole responsibility.

• Helping Sustain Tobacco Control Programs- A major role of coalitions is to help sustain tobacco control programs by expanding public support.

• Communities Getting Involved- Coalitions provide organizations and individuals the opportunity to have a voice in community and statewide issues, and participate in the strategic planning of the tobacco control program.

• Advocating for Policy Change- Coalitions can lead policy change efforts and campaigns when other partners may be limited. Coalitions also can enlist political and constituent support.

• Establishing Greater Credibility- Coalitions are able to establish greater credibility because they represent several organizations and individuals focused on community betterment.

• Promoting Health through Entirety- Coalitions help change community values around tobacco through systems of change by eliminating pro-tobacco use by prominent figures in society. By this standard, youth will be better served and a pro-health approach established.

• Leveraging Resources- Coalitions amplify state resources by involving broad community representation, utilizing members’ talents, and engaging the community to develop public support. Through teamwork, resources can also be conserved by minimizing duplication of efforts and services.

• Combating the Tobacco Industry- Coalitions combat the tobacco industry by exposing the deceptive, predatory, and deadly practices and developing effective methods to counter their strategies.

July 29, 2009