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
Sample Mission & Vision Statements:
Examples from KS Coalitions
Mission Statement Handout
Vision Statement Handout
Sample Coalition Documents:
Bylaws
Breastfeeding Coalition of Douglas County
Ford County Breastfeeding Coalition Bylaws
Agenda Template
Chapter Meeting Template (NMBTF)
FCBC November Agenda
FCBC January Agenda
Sign-in sheet
Chapter Meeting Sign-in Sheet (NMBFT)
Ford Co BF Coalition Roster
Photo Release
NMBTF Photo Release
Projects for Local Coalition:
Recorded Presentation from Local Coalition Sections Meeting (7/8/2021) Jennie Toland, BSN, RN, CLC, Ford County Breastfeeding Coalition Executive Director
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)
Other resources:
- Employer Report – results of 2021 Kansas employer survey and best practices for supporting breastfeeding employees
- 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:
- 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
Local Breastfeeding Coalitions in Kansas may use images in the KBC image library for their materials. Please send requests, including descriptions of desired images, to info@ksbreastfeeding.org along with the name of your coalition. Additional images are available through the US Breastfeeding Committee Landscape of Breastfeeding Support Image Gallery
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)
