For a campaign to have the momentum to secure change it’s often necessary to work in alliances and coalitions. An alliance needs to be big enough to build critical momentum, but focused enough to share common objectives.

When building an alliance or coalition for a campaign, it is critical to clarify the aim from the start. Is it for focused lobbying, for research and analysis, or for mass campaigning? The aim of the alliance will have big implications for how big it should be and who are the right partners. Once you know its aim, you can work to develop the right mix of skills.

Participatory tools to support building strategic alliances and coalitions:

• Chapatti diagram - to map actors and institutions that you might wish to work with.
• Gatekeeper tool - to identify people and organisations who might help you access the decision makers you want to influence