Establishment

Once partners are interested, determining the purpose and priorities for the group helps to start moving things in the right direction. Launching a successful coalition means establishing structure and engaging willing leadership to step up. As the group works to develop common goals and a shared vision, the various partners can learn about each other’s work and the different ways in which they talk (and think) about HPV vaccination. This is also a first step in developing relationships and committing to making progress as a team.  Here are some tips for navigating each of these foundational steps:

1. Establish a Vision
   1. Draft a mission statement with two or three measurable goals.
   2. Create boundaries about what the group will or won’t do.
2. Establish Structure
   1. Discuss structure that may work best considering the number of participants and decision makers.
   2. Establish convener/backbone organization(s) to ensure work progresses
3. Recruit Leadership
   1. Having a well-known clinician champion or thought leader can make the coalition’s effort and activities especially relevant.
   2. Support staff can help manage projects so that the champion can focus their time where needed.
4. Convene a Network
   1. Focus on bringing key partners together—clinician groups (AAP and AAFP chapters), state cancer and immunization programs, cancer centers, ACS local chapters, and immunization and cancer partners.
   2. Prepare a presentation or information about why participation is important and highlight strategic opportunities for success. Share clearly defined expectations.
   3. Plan a kick-off meeting—a full day or half day meeting in person. Assigning pre-meeting work and reading can set the stage for a productive time—ask each organization to answer a few questions about their needs and what resources they have.