WED-085 - From Challenges to Change: Improving Organizational Excellence in a Women’s Health Coalition

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn how a structured communication cadence can improve the engagement and satisfaction of coalition members. This presentation highlights the transformative journey of a local women’s health coalition that addressed issues of communication, respect, and transparency through enhanced organizational practices. By implementing a systematic approach to communication, the coalition fostered a culture of respect and clarity.

Attendees will discover how involving members in strategic planning and policy development led to increased attendance and new participation within just three months. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate trust and engagement in their own coalitions, ensuring their organizations thrive and create a meaningful impact in their communities. Embrace these insights to enhance the effectiveness of coalitions and community groups and foster a sense of ownership among members.

Detailed abstract description:

Background: Attend this presentation to explore how a local women’s health coalition transformed its communication and operational practices to foster engagement, respect, and transparency. A SWOT analysis of coalition functioning highlighted issues with communication, respect, transparency, information sharing, and engagement. To address these concerns, coalition leadership enhanced organizational practices to improve coalition functioning and clarity of purpose.


Methods: The coalition facilitator implemented a communication cadence that engaged members before, during, and after each meeting. Before meetings, members received an email reminder with prior minutes and the agenda. During meetings, the facilitator documented actions items, decisions, and resources to capture progress. After meetings, members received a recap email within two days with the meeting minutes and slide deck, a link to a live event calendar, a meeting invite for the next meeting, and next steps and reminders.

Additionally, the facilitator worked with the coalition advisory committee and members to develop a strategic plan using an evidence-based framework focused on equity and community feedback for collective impact. Members’ input was sought on coalition policies, presentations, and educational materials, and they actively contributed to the strategic plan and infrastructure development process, leading to a clear direction.


Results: Improvements made to coalition functioning and direction resulted in increased attendance, new participation, satisfaction, and motivation. Within three months of implementation, attendance increased by 14% and new participation by 46%. In one-on-one interviews, members expressed gratitude for the progress, new communication cadence, work plan visibility, and stewardship of their time and efforts. Members voiced renewed motivation and clarity from the strategic plan, communication, and progress in coalition sustainability.


Conclusions: Organizational excellence and defined purpose increased coalition engagement and trust. This presentation will equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to enhance communication and engagement within their own coalitions or community groups. Learn how to establish effective communication practices that boost attendance and participation. Discover the power of involving members in strategic planning and policy development, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.

Attendees will gain insights into replicable strategies that can improve the functioning and direction of their organizations. Attendees will explore how enhancing organizational practices can cultivate trust and engagement, leading to greater impact in their community.