The Art of Community Mobilizing

Mobilizing a community behind a common cause does not happen easily. It takes work to mobilize and engage people and there are no one-size-fits all techniques. It's more than getting people to show up at a meeting, you need to inspire them to take the next step.

During this hour-long CADCA-TV program, called The Art of Community Mobilizing, find out what has worked for some coalitions and what leaders of CADCA's Coalition Institute recommend. Learn the difference between community organizing and mobilizing. See how a coalition in New York City has mobilized and is making a difference.

Key Concepts

• Learn the difference between community organizing and community mobilizing
• Find out how the concepts for action can help you mobilize
• See the steps to doing the work
• Discover what messages are resonating with parents
• Discover how to build relationships with residents

Hosted by

Mary Elizabeth Elliott, Vice President of Communications, Membership, and Information Technology, CADCA

Content Providers

Jane Callahan, Director of CADCA's National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute

Jane Callahan became the Institute director in 2002. Prior to coming to her current position, she was the Executive Director of the City of Vallejo, CA Fighting Back Partnership. During her 13-year tenure there, she was responsible for guiding the development of one of the oldest and broadest coalitions in the United States.

CADCA's National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute is funded as part of the Drug Free Communities Act. Its aim is to increase the percentage of effective community anti-drug coalitions throughout the United States.

Callahan majored in English and Child Development in college and received a master's degree in Education from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA in 1974.

Michael Sparks, Alcohol Policy Specialist, CADCA Trainer

Michael Sparks is an Alcohol Policy Specialist working with communities across the country to reduce alcohol-related problems. Prior to moving to a consultant role, he served as an Associate Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded Free to Grow initiative at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He also served as the first Executive Director of the Marin Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems.

Sparks has expertise in the alcohol policy field as well as in the areas of community building, using local control strategies to manage problematic alcohol and drug environments, the legislative process, and neighborhood revitalization. He has provided training in the areas of community organizing, alcohol policy, using the legislative process to reduce alcohol and other drug problems, neighborhood revitalization and leadership development.

Sparks received a master's degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University in 1982.

George Vasquez, CADCA Trainer

After spending 21 years working in different capacities for the hospitality industry, in 1991 George became a community organizer. His first experience lasted 15 1/2 years while working at Vallejo Fighting Back where he coordinated the Vallejo Alcohol Policy Coalition.

For the past several years, Vasquez has been sharing his knowledge and experience with the Latino community working in many countries in Central and South America as a member of CADCA's International Programs.

Vasquez received his bachelor's degree from Universidad Catolica de Guayaqui (Catholic University of Guataquil in Equador) in 1966.