The following is a sampling of ideas and lessons learned on how to form community coalitions.

Forming Community Coalitions

• Just ask; most people are happy to take part if only they are invited

• Start with people you know

• Offer food; it seems to break the ice and make community-building easier (potlucks are standard in Farmington, Roswell and Socorro often meet in restaurants, and the Anthony group orders pizza)

• Continue to make new connections and wait for the group to grow

• Members must feel free to share concerns and to express their desires.  This requires an open mind, an accepting attitude, and clear communication. 

• Each person comes with a unique set of abilities, fears, passions and goals.  Avoid categorizing people according to their disability or limiting them based on incomplete information.

• In the coalitions, nobody started with all the answers.  They are finding the answers together.

• Members need to feel that they are welcomed “as is,” and that the others in the group are not trying to change or “improve” them.  This accepting attitude leads to increased honesty and open communication.