CADCA’s Coalition Competencies

What does it take to build and sustain an effective coalition? The answer lies in CADCA’s Coalition Competencies, a research-backed framework designed to strengthen your work. Developed in partnership with the Center for Public Health Systems Science at Washington University in St. Louis, these competencies are the result of more than three years of research and input from coalition leaders. They outline the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for effective coalition work.

 

Coalition Competencies are organized into three domains:

  • Operations: Building and sustaining coalition infrastructure.
  • Communauté: Effectively engaging and partnering with community members.
  • Prevention: Implementing specialized strategies for lasting impact.

There are 18 essential, research-backed areas that fit into each of these domains and are designed to advance the work of coalition leaders, funders, and other partners. Learn more about the competencies through the following resources.

Explore the Competencies

Register Now! The third installment of our Competencies in Focus webinar series takes place June 10 at 1 PM ET. This dynamic monthly series, launched in April 2025, spotlights a different coalition competency each month and provides actionable strategies that coalitions can start using right away.

In June, we’ll take a closer look at the Internal Communication competency and explore the knowledge, skills, and abilities that drive effective internal communication. Participants will also hear from Laura Brossart, a seasoned communications and dissemination expert who has led large-scale communications operations with a wide range of partners.

Register Now

Past Webinar Recordings