Building Second Chances: Tools for Local Reentry Coalitions

Building Broad Community Support

Ultimately, your local community members benefit the most from a successful reentry strategy. But without their buy-in and commitment to improving the reentry process, the policy, practice, and funding changes discussed so far cannot be accomplished effectively. This section of the toolkit will focus on the widespread community support your local reentry coalition will need to maintain momentum and funding, sustain policy and practice improvements, and achieve the ultimate goal of any reentry strategy—safer, stronger communities.

This section covers:

• Identify community members and networks to influence key decision makers. Build a list of potential community members and networks who are well-positioned to influence key decision makers
• Develop strategic messaging. Create a coordinated and comprehensive communication plan to help your coalition organize and streamline strategic messaging
• Promote broad-based support for policy, practice, and funding changes. Maximize the impact of your reentry efforts by engaging decision makers and community members impacted by those efforts

Enabling Personal and Community Transformation