The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59590

Larry Cohen, MSW and Rachel Davis, MSW. Prevention Institute, 265 29th Street, Oakland, CA 94611, 510-444-7738, larry@preventioninstitute.org

One of the significant contributions the social work field has made to public health has been its leadership role in promoting effective coalitions as a means to achieving successful outcomes. However, coalitions present unique challenges, and leaders from the social work arena can help ensure that public health collaboratives are able to overcome these obstacles. One of the most common barriers to success is turf struggle.

“Turf-ism” can be defined as the non-cooperation or conflict between organizations with seemingly common goals or interests. Whether over resources, recognition, or control, turf struggles can threaten coalition vitality. Because of this, coalition leaders often ask participants to leave their programmatic responsibilities and objectives at the door. However, such a sacrifice drains the coalition of its purpose and energy. Especially in the social work and public health arenas, groups have a deep belief in what they do and connect that with their core identity. While that passion may lead to turf battles, it is also the reason the group is willing to work with other organizations towards a larger goal.

Turf struggle implies the existence of valuable turf. The worst thing a leader can do in this situation is to diminish the importance of that turf. Rather than suppressing struggles, coalition leaders must find ways to incorporate that passion into the overall collaborative effort. This session will look at turf in depth and offer tips to help leaders address this issue and use these skills to advance outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Maximize coalition outcomes through understanding and negotiating turf issues that arise.
• Understand that turf is natural and struggles can indicate dedicated membership—learn how to build on these positive aspects of turf to achieve successful outcomes.
• Strengthen the leadership role of social work professionals, building on their expertise of coalition building, to improve public health outcomes.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.