How do I get everyone to commit to working toward the same goal?

Conducting a needs assessment and then developing a strategic plan with proposed outcomes are good first steps. Information obtained from the needs assessment can identify the most pressing problems, assess existing initiatives, and determine what resources are available to support the work of the coalition.

Re-stating the goal of the coalition will help members to decide what issues to focus on. Give everyone the opportunity to discuss competing agendas and then agree upon specific, concrete outcomes. In the future, reminding people of the desired outcomes will help to keep the group on task.