Community coalitions are one of the most effective ways to tackle pressing issues. Why? Because they bring together people from all segments of society to work as one to address a common goal.

One way to think about a coalition is the idea that there is "strength in numbers." In a situation where one person may have a difficult time making a change in a community, a group of people working as a unit provide a strong, grassroots level of support; therefore, change can be accomplished more readily.

When a diverse group of people collaborate on an issue, such as preventing/reducing underage drinking, the results achieved are much greater than could be accomplished individually. When coalition members pool their time, talents, and financial resources to obtain a goal, they increase their chances of being successful. And this strategy works time and time again.

Because they have been so successful, coalitions have become the "gold standard" for effecting change in a community. Partners in Prevention has worked to develop strong local coalitions across Rock County: Beloit Youth2Youth; Edgerton Coalition for a Healthy Community (ECHC); Building a Safer Evansville (BASE); Janesville Mobilizing 4 Change (JM4C); and one to be developed in Milton.