The anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Mead was referring to cultural change needing a spark from a small group of passionate people to be effective but she could have easily been speaking on coalitions. Coalitions, on the most basic level, are a group of individuals and organizations who come together to collaborate to solve a problem. The problem to solve could be anything from saving rainforests to improving living conditions within a specific neighborhood. The most important element of a coalition is that it is composed of local people who know their community and the challenges it faces.
Pottawatomie Alliance Toward Community Health (PATCH), a coalition in Pottawatomie County, is focused on the improvement of health and wellness of residents and to reduce youth substance use. PATCH was first formed in 2000 and was originally called Shawnee Asset Building Alliance. The data collected by original coalition members would eventually lead the creation of the much needed Shawnee Youth Coalition.
The coalition has grown and evolved over the years to address the needs of the community. PATCH has also become a great way to network with community members. Madison Walker, who works at a local Head Start/Early Head Start and also serves on the advisory board, says it is one of the best coalitions she has ever been a part of. “It has been a great way to network with other agencies to hear about events and resources the community has to offer. I create partnerships with agencies in order to help the families I serve in my program. PATCH is a valuable resource in our community.” Madison encourages those curious about coalitions to check out a meeting, which is held every first Wednesday of the month at noon.
There is something inspiring about being in the same room as so many other individuals who really care about the health and wellness of the county. “Since joining the PATCH Coalition, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and partner with many wonderful individuals and organizations,” says Tara Wallace, Community Relations Coordinator for the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority and PATCH Advisory Board Member. “Being able to connect at the meetings with other organizations and learn about their programs has brought a sense of hope. A hope that we are in this together by serving people in our communities. Each organization has a unique resource that I might not have and we can all rely on one another. It’s important to stay connected to people within the community and PATCH allows that opportunity.”
There are several ways to connect with PATCH and get involved with coalition work:
Attend a meeting. Meetings are at 12pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Location varies so make sure you are on the email list. If you would like to be added, please send an email to Danielle at drains@gatewaytoprevention.org
Be a speaker at a monthly meeting or host a meeting. If interested or have questions, please contact Danielle Mason-Rains
Follow Pottawatomie Alliance Toward Community Health (PATCH) on social media!
If you or someone you know would like support on their recovery journey, do not hesitate to reach out to Gateway at 273-1170 x0 or send us a message through our facebook page: Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families find the path to hope, healing, and greater health.
Danielle Mason-Rains is the program director for the Drug Free Communities grant at Gateway to Prevention & Recovery. She has her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys reading, running, spending time with her family, and teaching group fitness classes.
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