How do i join a Regional Coalition?
There are two levels of 'joining' a Regional Coalition. At one level, just by participating in any of the educational programs offered by the Regional Coalition near you, constitutes 'joining', in the sense that you will be able to gain all the knowledge and insight offered by the program, plus most will have the opportunity to earn CEUs (cost of CEUs vary by location and event). At another level, you can become more actively involved in the leadership of the coalition, by volunteering to help with the planning and implementation of the programs being offered. In either instance, your first step is to locate the Regional Coalition nearest you (click here) and send an email or call the contact person listed. Most of the coalitions have a small website which will give you information about their upcoming events, leadership meeting time and place, and contact information. Some coalitions may also have a membership fee, and/or charge a registration fee for their events. In both cases, the fee is relatively small and may be waived in special circumstances.
If you discover there isn't a Regional Coalition within easy distance, and you'd like to see one established in your vicinity, please contact the Illinois Pioneer Coalition Executive Director. Assistance and guidance are available to help you organize and sustain a coalition. If you are interested in joining with others in the important work that Regional Coalitions perform, consider attending their events, helping with planning and/or implementing those events, or forming a coalition in an area not yet served by one. Any one of these actions will prove to be a rewarding effort.