building strategic alliances
DESCRIPTION
It’s an adage as old as politics itself. A thread is weak. But twist several threads into a rope and it’s strong. Such is the power of alliances and teamwork. Join Resource Media for a "Building Strategic Alliances" training that describes the practical, systematic steps and case studies you need to know to help you reach new partners and spokespeople. Our presentation will be full of the best advice from conservation leaders around the country with a proven track record of success.TRANSCRIPT
BuildingStrategicAlliances July2010
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"Those planet-tonguers over at Greenpeace are building a
replica of Noah's Ark to raise awareness about global warming. For a bunch of
environmentalists, they're sure cutting down a lot of trees. I celebrate Earth Day because
it's America's planet." Stephen Colbert
Forty years after the first Earth Day……
There is broad public support for conservation.
Inspiring people to take action requires trust
“Our issues are not environmental issues, they’re community issues. When the
community owns it, you win.” --Tracy Stone-Manning
In the past, the environment was talked about by
regular people who lived near the land and cared about its
well-being.
Now….paid professional environmentalists are doing the talking
Why build strategic alliances?
Diverse partnerships can help you weather political changes
Public Support = Political Capital
Mobilizing a broad face and voice for conservation gives our issues credibility and clout
Build political power and momentum
With the right partners, you can do more than just win a single campaign: you can advance an entire policy agenda
How To: The nuts and bolts of building strategic alliances
Lay the groundwork: Align resources
• Build the the capacity • Invest in outreach
• Create a culture of bridge building
• Assess your needs • Choose allies carefully • Build relationships to last
Think it through
Build the relationship
• Find common ground • Break the ice • Listen first • Agree on terms • Commit to long term
Make it work • Start early and small • Give before you get • Offer to do the groundwork
• Share the spotlight or stay behind the scenes
Right-size expectations
• Be patient • Develop messages together
• Support their work (partnerships are a two-way street)
Set boundaries and respect theirs
• Tune in, don’t cave in • Find common ground • Agree on goals and milestones • Get clear on roles and
responsibilities
Tell the story Work together to tell your story
• Leverage partners’ reach and influence • Choose spokespeople based on audience values
• Share the work and the credit
Use partners strategically
• Take advantage of existing networks • Go for low-hanging fruit
• Move outward in concentric circles
Use a variety of communications tools
• Radio and newspaper interviews • Op-eds and letters to the editor • Editorial board visits • Action alerts and newsletters • Direct outreach to policymakers
Harness the power of social
networking tools like Facebook and
• Raise awareness • Share updates • Engage supporters • Build a community
Listen in to gauge public opinion • Track #hashtags or keywords • Join existing communities • Find and engage opinion leaders
Saving the Valle Vidal
Bristol Bay/Pebble Mine
SF Physicians for Social Responsibility
Case Studies
Saving the Valle Vidal
Protecting New Mexico’s “Land of
Enchantment”
• Formed the Coalition for Valle Vidal • Defined a clear goal: “No drilling, leasing, period”
• Invested in public outreach and education • Created a Core Values Statement
The Campaign
Keys to Success • Broad local support
• Clear goal that came from the community • Diverse spokespeople • Investment in outreach
Take Aways • Focus on grassroots
• Build it together • Leverage shared values
Empowering People in Bristol Bay The fight to save “America’s fish basket”
• Public Education & Organizing • Legislation • Litigation • Corporate Responsibility
The Bristol Bay Strategy
Big win: Tiffany’s of London signs “No Dirty Gold” pledge
Take-Aways • Let the locals lead
• Use the jobs argument • Help people understand what’s at stake
Healthier Food in Health Care Campaign
Making sure hospital patients get good food
from local farmers
The Strategy: Research, Relate, Engage
• Do Your Homework • Build relationships and earn trust • Ask questions • Create incremental wins
• Find partners that complement your strengths and address your weaknesses
• Start small • Focus on values
Take-Aways
Summary:
• Strategic alliances are key to short-term wins and long-term credibility
• It’s all about relationships; you have to give as good as you get
• Building partnerships depends on finding shared values
Worth Exploring! • Social Media 201 – August • Framing & Messaging – September • Media Relations – October • Story Pitching 101 – November • Blogger Relations – December
Published by Resource Media 325 Pacific Avenue San Francisco, CA 94111 415-397-5000
Nicole Lampe Program Director [email protected] 503.719.5626
Copyright © 2010 by Resource Media All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
Thank You!
Lynda Giguere Program Director [email protected] 907.771.4020