Coalitions hold the power to propel our democracy forward. In this time of chaos for our democracy, it’s imperative to focus on what brings us together instead of what divides us. Though these times feel destructive to the well-being of our democracy, there are ways to fight alongside one another for a shared sense of a better future.  

Coming together across lines of race, ethnicity, gender identity, and political ideology brings us closer to consensus. Building these bridges means confronting fears and addressing unconscious biases. In doing so, we reflect on how our differences make us unique and how our diversity makes us strong.

Bridge building also equips us to address the multifaceted crisis that we face in our democracy. A poll from the New York Times and Sienna found that 13% of registered voters in the US say that polarization is the most important problem facing the country today. Strong coalitions can break down those barriers and allow for deeper and more meaningful connection and action. 

Why Coalitions Matter 

Coalitions allow for strategic thought partnership, creativity, and power in numbers. Every member of a coalition has a shared vision and collective message. At the same time, each member speaks to a unique life experience and identity. With the power of a coalition, people and organizations can reach new horizons to engage a broader audience that reflects the diversity of the coalition itself. 

Bridges are durable and not transactional; they span cultures and ethnic and identity groups and provide a thorough connective tissue. They are not convenient or conventional, but they are sustainable and long-lasting. These bridges are built across differing communities, movements, organizations, and ideologies. 

It is by this bridging that we build political power and stay aligned on the issues. We face the powers that be and reimagine what it takes to actualize our values and make a lasting impact. The broad vision of “we” includes a vast spectrum of impacted voices to grow a multiracial democracy full of people from all backgrounds. This looks like access to the ballot for all, uplifting the needs of every community, and building a lasting base for change. 

Although there are many shared perspectives on the issues, there may not be alignment on strategies or the tools needed to address the issues. That is where bridges come in to connect the dots. From the various viewpoints, coalition members can learn from others and identify what is the most effective way towards change-making. 

Coalitions are also a useful tool to advocate for issues, hold those in power accountable, and demonstrate how to create people-powered action. Multiple voices speaking together will always be more powerful than one voice speaking alone.  Many hands make for light work, empowering people and organizations to do more than they could on their own. 

When like-minded people come together, they create more resilient organizations and communities; then, those communities come together and create a more resilient and multifaceted democracy. 

The Keys of Successful Coalitions 

The keys to building a successful coalition are trust, honesty, synergy, and clear communication. Trust is a must when cultivating partners of different backgrounds that might not be normally aligned.  

Building honesty and vulnerability through different missions, agendas, perspectives, and tactics establishes alliances across lines of difference. Working through them creates a shared sense of struggle and democratic identity. Synergy looks like organizations, large and small, on a local, statewide, or national level, blending to move the dial forward. Getting clear on communication and setting an agenda that works for all promotes connectivity authentically. 

With extraordinary divides in our society, building relationships mends chasms among us. Coalitions fight toxic polarization and center a sense of harmony, creating more good in our world. Coalitions emerge from partnerships, and partnerships are sustained by mutual goals and the resilience needed to achieve them. 

The shared responsibility among us as citizens reinforces our collective capacity to effect change. Creating community-based networks sparks a shared sense of empathy and a stake in one another’s well-being.  

Inclusivity and Relationship Building are Essential 

Inclusion and belonging are at the core of coalition-building. When communities come together, there is a larger base of support and collective infrastructure toward action. Including more voices draws in more people, and it takes time, intentionality, and care to spark action.  

Relationship building is also critical. In forging strong relationships, people come out of their comfort zone but stretch upward to connect with others that they might not otherwise reach. Being inclusive means listening without judgment and remaining present. To choose inclusiveness means that every person is seen and heard. There is a shared sense of commitment and mutual support. 

Mutual Aid Strengthens the Bonds of Coalitions 

Mutual aid is the concept of a voluntary system where community members provide physical, emotional, and financial support to one another. It can start with being a good neighbor. How can you address how to make your neighborhood a better place, and what can you do to get to know your neighbors? A shared sense of connectivity helps communities flourish. 

In this moment, there is an urgent need for mutual aid. There is no more time to wait, and the way that we care for and show up for one another starts now. The waves of momentum that we can make on a one-to-one level create a tidal wave of change that flows to all corners of our democracy – in this way, the work we do at home can improve our entire country. 

Caring for your neighbor as you care for yourself is an act of service that helps communities thrive. When folks get together to pack hygiene kits for unhoused people, serve meals at a soup kitchen, or donate books to a little free library, they make daily life better. Networks of support in communities vary, but one common goal remains: to keep people connected and engaged with one another. Sharing resources and acting together in these ways creates community and centers coalitions. 

A Way Forward 

Strong coalitions are a way to ensure that our democracy is preserved and powered by the will of the people. They build a nourishing future of trust, collaboration, and progress. Living side by side and supporting each other as friends, neighbors, and members of communities lights the way. 

Greater than the sum of our parts and working shoulder to shoulder, we craft networks of support. When we connect our values to the core vision of where we want to go, we build the world in which we want to see. It is all of our responsibility to create a world where we all belong. It’s not left to what we can offer as individuals, but in the community and the purpose of the coalition. This shared sense of purpose weaves together a more holistic democracy. 

Coalitions encourage everyone to be part of a way forward. Human connection and getting to know one another make a difference in how we show up in the world and for the issues we believe in. 

Put Your Coalition to Action 

At the League, our 800 state and local Leagues are all part of countless coalitions. Get involved by joining your local League, or committing to Unite and Rise to defend democracy. Through collective action, there is a lasting impact! It is through our coalitions that we find our strength. Take the commitment to defend our constitution, protect the rule of law, and build a democracy where every person and every voice counts!