Are you a new or seasoned coalition leader seeking to improve upon the knowledge and skills that will ensure your success? Would you like support with strengthening your coalition’s existing products or processes? Are you interested in building a new coalition to improve the health of your community? Did you return from attending CADCA’s Mid-Year Training Institute in Indianapolis and you are trying to figure out how to transfer all of that great training content into your work? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, or you have any other question or issue related to coalition development, maintenance and management, consider contacting CADCA for support.
CADCA’s National Coalition Institute offers free technical assistance to help increase the effectiveness of community substance abuse prevention coalitions across the country. This type of personalized assistance is critical to developing and maintain a high functioning coalition.
As Dr. Bill Geary, CADCA’s Deputy Director of Evaluation and Research points out, “The research is clear. Coalitions using technical assistance on a regular basis are more likely to achieve success than coalitions that do not seek out the support.”
This support is not limited to Drug-Free Communities-funded coalitions and is available to all coalitions seeking assistance. To ensure that coalitions’ needs are met in an effective and timely fashion, CADCA employs a full-time Technical Assistance (T.A.) manager who also has access to a cadre of CADCA trainers and experienced coalition leaders to provide telephone and web-based support.
“Think of it like tech support for your coalition. The goal of technical assistance is to help increase the effectiveness of coalitions by offering customized support for your coalition’s specific challenges,” said Jackie Rhodes, CADCA’s T.A. Manager.
In addition to supporting coalitions, Rhodes also provides no-cost situation-specific support to prevention organizations, state-level prevention leaders, and federal prevention agencies. Recently, she had the opportunity to engage in face-to-face technical assistance sessions at CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute in Indianapolis.
“This was a great experience because most of my T.A. interactions occur over the phone. Connecting faces to names is something that is extremely important to me and it was informative to hear about the unique challenges and successes coalitions are experiencing. I discussed many topics including finding or starting a coalition, increasing sector engagement and planning for sustainability,” Rhodes said.
Coalitions are encouraged to seek support whenever it is needed. You may contact Rhodes directly at 1-800-CADCA, Ext. 240.
CADCA can also work with you to support your coalition events. CADCA provides customized trainings, workshops, keynotes and on-site technical assistance in your town, city or state. To bring a CADCA-approved coalition expert to your town, city or state, contact Melissa-Kim Tom, CADCA’s Training Operations Support Manager, at mtom@cadca.org. Melissa can provide you with the CADCA service request form and help you to start brainstorming the unlimited possibilities.
