Coalitions or collaboratives often begin when an individual, group, or organization have a need to work with others to achieve common goals in a community. In some cases, state or funder requirements compel organizations or communities to participate in collaborative efforts. In either case, participating in a collaborative requires the recognition that there is work to be done that cannot be accomplished by a single individual or organization, and that others in the community have a stake in the process and outcomes and have something valuable to contribute.

The resources and tools in this first section can be used to support collaborations to ensure that the right mix of organizations, families and care providers reflect the community to advance collaboration work.  There are a number of variables to consider in this stage of the collaboration building effort.