Tools for Coalitions | Friendly Self-Assessment Tool

Why local breastfeeding coalitions?

Local breastfeeding coalitions bring individuals and organizations together. They enable women, families, and community members to share ideas, break institutional and cultural barriers, and solve problems related to breastfeeding, in addition to empowering and educating the public. By working together, coalitions can conserve resources by reducing duplication and sharing expenses, foster cooperation between diverse sectors, and increase the credibility and often the impact of their efforts.

Starting a Local Breastfeeding Coalition

Interested in starting a local breastfeeding coalition but don’t know where to start? The KBC can help! The KBC can facilitate a local coalition “start-up” meeting. See agenda and invitation template for a coalition start-up meeting. Contact Brenda Bandy at bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org for more information about scheduling a start-up meeting in your community.

Resources for starting a local coalition:

Toolkit for Kansas Local Breastfeeding Coalitions (pdf) – checklist for effective coalitions, resources including links to community partner organizations, breastfeeding data and financial information.
Kansas Local Breastfeeding Coalitions Needs Assessment Survey (2019)
Tom Wolff’s Coalition Building Tools
Coalition Building 101

Recorded Sessions from 2020 Kansas Breastfeeding Conference:

Engaging Fathers to Support Breastfeeding (Wesley Bugg & Carl Route, ROBE)
Coalition Building: A Statewide & Community Based Approach –Toolkit for Community Mural (Monica Esparza, New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce)
Opiate Exposed Neonate & Breastfeeding Promotion & Support (Betty Thomas)
Empowering & Partnering with Leaders in the African-American Community to Improve Breastfeeding Outcomes (Dr. Stacy Yeager)
Creating a Blueprint for Continuity of Care and Breastfeeding (Emily Bernard, NACCHO)
Working with local school districts to implement lactation support program – training recording
Food Pantries – Guidelines for Breastfeeding Friendly Food Pantries and Infographic “If you are Breastfeeding” for Families
Hospitals – Discharge protocol assessment tool
Swimming Pools and Breastfeeding Families (English & Spanish)
Faith-based organizations:
- Supporting Breastfeeding Interventions for Faith-Based Organizations
- Health Minister’s Guide to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Tents in Public Events
LATCH Baby Rest Stop (Tent)
NWKS BF Coalition Tent Agreement (with picture inventory)
PABC Swag Bag Info
Project Ideas from Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition
Putting your float in parade – round-table 2014
Building Sustainable Lactation Support Projects through Policy, Systems & Environmental Change – Nikia Sankofa, NACCHO (Slides)

Community Engagement Ideas:

Community Engagement Ideas – 2016 KBC Coalitions Conference
Community Engagement Strategies – 2014 KBC Coalitions Conference
Community Engagement and Meeting Overview Handout
Find local WIC agency contact person

Infographic Cards to Support Families During Emergencies (distribute through food pantries, shelters, etc.)
If You Are Chest/Breastfeeding Cards
If You Are Chest/Breastfeeding Cards (Spanish)

Tools for Local Coalitions:

Coalition Effectiveness Inventory
Community Action Kit for Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding (Texas WIC) (assessment on page 27)
Continuity of Care Tools
Continuity of Breastfeeding Care – facilitated process to conduct a landscape analysis of breastfeeding support. Email info@ksbreastfeeding.org for more information.
Coalition Technical Assistance Webinar Series (USBC, 2021)
Coalition Resources (USBC) archived webinars and Coalitions Learning Community
Breastfeeding Friendly Self-Assessment Tool – 5-question organizational self-assessment
From Outcome Challenge to Action Steps
Stages of Coalition Development
Creating Measurable Objectives Action Steps Worksheet
Blank Meeting Agenda
Continuity of Care Assets & Gaps
Action Plan Worksheet
Take-Home Message

Needs Assessments:

Seven Steps for Conducting a Successful Needs Assessment (NICHQ)
Community Action Kit for Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding (Texas WIC) (assessment on page 27)
Needs Assessment in Breastfeeding Programs
Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (NACCHO) – strategic planning process

Financial Forms & Information:

Online EIN Application– EIN # required for bank accounts and IRS 501(c)3 application
Form 1023-EZ: Application for 501(c)3 status for organizations with gross receipts of $50,000 or less and assets of $250,000 or less; $400 application fee.
Work Plan & Budget Alignments
Grant Writing Tips– Brenda Bandy, Dr. Sarah Jolley, and Dr. Lisette Jacobson (Slides)
Grant Writing Tips – Handout

Social Media:

Social Media Guidelines (K-State Extension, EFNEP)
Social Media for Nonprofits (Hootsuite)
Strategic Guide to Social Media for Nonprofits (Sprout)

Sample Mission & Vision Statements:

Sample Coalition Documents:

Projects for Local Coalition:

Tools for Local Coalitions:

Social Media: