It seems fairly straightforward to galvanize organizations that share a similar mission – in our case, ending domestic violence in Rhode Island. However, in my 20 years serving as executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, I have found that conflicting strategies and philosophies between members must be worked through in order for a coalition to be truly effective.
Our coalition has approached this challenge by connecting at our points of commonality. When we share a collective understanding of our history as a movement and honor the shifting priorities of each coalition member, we can turn our focus to our shared vision for the future.
Now, nearly 40 years after the coalition was formed, we are exploring innovative, primary prevention strategies to end domestic violence. And we are centering our work around the needs of the most marginalized communities, while continuing to provide vital crisis-intervention services.
Recognizing the need to adapt to changing times, I have recently been tapping into the teachings of Norma Wong and other faculty from Move to End Violence, a cross-cutting social-justice movement. These visionaries have helped me avoid "either/or" thinking as our coalition pivots to be more proactive and interconnected in our pursuit of social justice. I have learned that we all don't need to be "in the same boat" rowing in unison; if we chart a course that involves different boats going at different speeds along different currents, we will reach our shared vision of a future free from violence. •