As coalition leaders, we can get caught up in the next task, meeting, activity, report or plan that we forget to add “celebrate” to the list. In our coalition leading experience, this activity is the one we most often skip. Since we are addressing big health or social challenges, there is always another need or priority that seems much more important than throwing a party (literally or figuratively). However, when we don’t stop to celebrate, our coalition can grow weary and struggle with continuing to work together toward collective impact.  Join us this week as we highlight three reasons that you want to celebrate as a coalition.

Honors the commitment.

Let’s be honest, working together takes more time, effort and energy than working alone. For those who want to make big impacts, they realize the value of working together, but it takes a lot of effort and perseverance to continue. When we take the time to celebrate our collective successes, we are honoring the people in the coalition giving their time, energy and talents needed to make a difference. Celebrating is a way of saying “Thank You” and “Your commitment and dedication to our cause is appreciated and valued.”

Re-energizes the members.

When doing coalition and team work, you and your members are committed to the “long game,” recognizing that in order to make big impacts, you need to keep working, learning, growing, adjusting and believing the best in one another and the purpose that brings you together. One of the groups Jennifer has been working with for more than 10 years was recently celebrated in a meaningful way through state and national-level media attention. This opportunity for celebration is exactly what we needed to be rejuvenated and re-energized to continue our work together. We still have a lot of work to do and can easily get bogged down in the details of the unfinished tasks, upcoming deadlines and pressure to do it all well. While the lists are still long, the renewed energy keeps us moving forward in a positive way.

Creates new opportunities. 

Taking time to celebrate and honor the coalition’s work can build momentum for existing efforts and create possibilities for new priorities. One of the coalitions Jennifer worked with the longest focused efforts on increasing colorectal cancer screening and contributed to a significant health impact. This work built momentum to continue to expand and grow efforts in colorectal cancer screening as well as catalyzing an opportunity to expand focus to lung cancer screening. Now, this work in lung cancer screening is making a significant impact that is being celebrated and is catalyzing new opportunities to expand efforts within the state and to other states.

As you consider your coalition and team work, what are some things you can celebrate today? Who do you want to thank as part of your collective success?—-