Coalition Building

Gay-Straight Alliance clubs have the power to fight homophobia and transphobia, as well as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and other oppressions. How, you ask? Through coalition building, of course!

Coalition building is when separate groups join forces to focus on one main issue. When many different groups unite, anything is possible!

Why Build a Coalition?

Coalition building is important because:

1. There is power in numbers! With more groups involved, you are more likely to succeed.
2. You are guaranteeing a bigger impact on your campus, and ultimately, community by joining forces with other groups that may not necessarily have anything to do with the GSA at first glance.
3. Forming a coalition to work on an issue that is important to many groups gives your GSA club the chance to understand and engage in anti-oppression work beyond sexual orientation and gender issues.

Confused? Here’s an Example!

Here’s a great example of coalition building that works. The Day of Silence [1] is a special day that draws attention to the silence that LGBTQ individuals face. Since LGBTQ people are not the only ones silenced by prejudice and injustice, the Day of Silence is a great opportunity to build a coalition with other oppressed groups.

People of color are also silenced on a daily basis due to racism and other isms. So are people with disabilities, women, religious minorities, and many other groups. What groups on your campus are silenced by injustice? Join forces! You can break the silence by forming a coalition and working together. And it doesn’t have to end with the Day of Silence. You can keep working together throughout the year to address other issues that arise.

Forming Your Coalition: How to Get Started

Check out the resources in this section, including our first resource on Coalition Building [2], with step-by-step instructions on how to form a coalition. Learn more about different types of coalitions in Justice for All [3] and GSA Organizing for Immigrant Rights [4].

Now go forth, young leaders, to build coalitions and change the world!!