Community coalitions across the Boston area and the U.S. are working hard to create change, whether that's by educating communities, providing financial safety nets, or improving public health.
And the most effective coalitions may share similar structures and strategies, according to a new study by researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University published in PLOS Complex Systems . The study is part of a larger project called Catalyzing Communities, initiated by Christina Economos, dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and a co-author on the new study. Researchers involved in the project work with changemakers and community leaders across Massachusetts with the goal of promoting child health equity.
Travis Moore, first author of the new study and a postdoctoral researcher at the Friedman School, recently shared some findings of the study as well as additional advice for how coalition leaders can ensure their groups remain effective. Maydee Morales, director of the Resiliency Center at the Worcester Community Action Council, which is involved in the Catalyzing Communities project, also shared her experience building a strong coalition. Bring diverse voices to the table One result of the new study was the strongest, most effective coalitions are also the most diverse, Moore said.
And while racial and gender diversity are a part of that metric, other types of diversity—like including people working in diverse sectors.