In the realm of advocacy and policy change, the potency of collaboration often exceeds individual efforts. For chambers of commerce seeking to champion causes and affect policy changes, forming coalitions with various entities brings about amplified impact and wider support. Let’s explore five key types of allies and the unique strengths they offer to chambers: 

1. Educational Institutions: Partnering with universities, colleges, and vocational schools is a strategic move for chambers. These alliances address workforce shortages and skill gaps, aligning education with industry needs. 

2. Business or Trade Associations: Industry-specific business associations are invaluable coalition partners. By uniting with these entities, such as those representing manufacturers or technology firms, chambers amplify their voice on industry-specific regulatory matters, fostering a shared policy interest. 

3. Nonprofit Organizations: Collaborating with nonprofits sharing aligned goals fortifies advocacy. For instance, a chamber focused on bolstering the workforce might join hands with nonprofits supporting the childcare industry, aligning both causes for a collective impact. 

4. Other Chambers of Commerce: When chambers unite, the strength of their combined membership elevates pro-business priorities. Additionally, collaborative efforts among chambers from different regions can lead to influential regional advocacy initiatives, like advocating for enhanced transportation infrastructure. 

5. Strange Bedfellows: Sometimes, unexpected allies yield remarkable results. Seeking partnerships with organizations that share policy interests, even if atypical, can lead to effective outcomes. For instance, a Chamber and Local Union, despite their usual differences, might collaborate on reducing health insurance costs, leveraging shared objectives for mutual benefit. 

Building a coalition involves leveraging diverse strengths, uniting in shared goals, and pursuing collective influence. It’s about creating unexpected alliances and harnessing combined resources to create impactful change. Strengthening advocacy through coalition building is a strategic move for chambers, offering broader and more influential opportunities for policy change and community impact. Embracing the diversity and collective power of these partnerships is a vital step toward fostering meaningful change.