Learning Objectives: Describe several stategies for obtaining information about tobacco control coalitions.
Abstract: Problem/Objective - To better understand the role of local coalitions in a comprehensive tobacco control program, it is necessary to develop a system to collect, analyze and disseminate meaningful data regarding how coalitions form, develop and function in their communities. The information obtained can be used for program enhancement, evaluation and to inform technical assistance efforts.
Methods - Coalitions were initially surveyed to determine the distribution of key characteristics throughout the coalition population. Examples of areas surveyed include staffing, funding, organizational structure, and member composition. Strategic plans were also analyzed to assess coalition goals and objectives. On-site case studies were then conducted on a sample of coalitions to observe the functioning of the coalition in the context of individual communities.
Results - The survey of coalition characteristics results demonstrate most coalitions have a majority of professional members rather than community leaders or interested individuals. The results also indicate most coalitions (89%) had between one and four of the five organizational structure elements in place. The most common organizational element was having a written mission statement (84%) while the least common was having a newsletter (31%).
Discussion – An overall strategy was developed to assess local tobacco control coalition efforts. This strategy included collecting and analyzing information using a variety of methods – survey, strategic plan analysis and case study. This approach provides a multi-dimensional picture of coalitions that can assist in exploring the link between how coalitions are structured, what activities they pursue, and what impact they are having in their community.
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