Coalitions and Partnerships in Community Health
Chapter One
Historical Perspective
of Coalitions
Americans of all ages, all stations of life, and all types of disposition
are forever forming associations.... In democratic countries, knowledge
of how to combine is the mother of all other forms of knowledge; on its
progress depends that of all others.
-Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835, from Heffner, 2001
The concept of building coalitions to improve the human condition is hardly new.
The collaborative work essential to the success of modern coalitions in promoting
health and preventing disease has existed since the beginning of human history.
This chapter outlines an abbreviated chronicle of the key approaches and notable
individuals who shaped the ideals of community participation, community organizing,
and community development. Unless we give credit to these foundations, we will
not share the rich understanding of the roots that make working within coalitions an
effective strategy for ... read full excerpt from Coalitions and Partnerships in Community Health ebook
