INTENTIONAL ORGANIZING

Intentional organizing is a component of the Environmental Change Model that develops the community leadership necessary to define local issues of concern and support the change process. By gaining the support of key community members and organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, educators, parents, youth and policy makers, it is possible to engage them in creating positive change within their community.

Through the development of strategic partnerships, intentional organizing brings together these key sectors of the community in a purposeful, goal oriented setting. This may take the form of a coalition whose members are focused on changing specific conditions in an identified target area. Activities of the coalition may include holding community forums to raise public awareness about local problems and policy based solutions or meeting to advance stronger prevention policies.

Intentional organizing works best when the stakeholders involved have a high degree of adaptability and a firm belief in the goals and strategies of the Environmental Change Model. Attention to ethnic diversity and cultural sensitivity are also essential ingredients to the success of such efforts.