The Coalition Method
Are you working on a complex societal challenge? And would you like help with a process for collaboration and change that transcends organizational and sectoral boundaries? Through the coalition approach, we promote knowledge sharing, new partnerships, and innovative solutions to societal challenges.
The coalition created value by bridging the gap between sectors, skills, and experiences. Because the ultimate goal was rooted in a sense of collaboration, this enabled discussions that were not merely abstract but also focused on concrete ideas, projects, and partnerships.
Oliwer Karlsson, National Program Manager, Youth 2030
What is the Coalition Method?
We at Forum for Social Innovation Sweden have developed a new meeting method called the Coalition method. In a coalition, we bring together organizations from different sectors of society that are working on the same social challenge. The purpose is to increase understanding and to share knowledge and experiences with one another. The goal is to foster collaboration and promote new partnerships and solutions within the context of the current social challenge.
The coalition method consists of four sessions with different formats and exercises. The sessions can be held both in person and online. Forum for Social Innovation Sweden for planning, leading, and facilitating the sessions, in collaboration with and on behalf of the organizations that have invited participants to join the coalition.
The coalition’s work begins with a shared understanding of the current situation and a needs assessment. The assessment is based on the target group affected by the initiatives. Between meetings, Forum for Social Innovation Sweden the organizers work together to develop the materials and documentation needed to move the process forward and achieve the goal of collaboration.
It was simply wonderful to meet people who are using their creativity to address today’s societal challenges. The approach taken and the speakers invited served as a source of inspiration and sparked new questions regarding health, equality, and culture for young people. For me, there is immense value in asking new questions, thinking along paths that haven’t been explored before, and experiencing the world from different perspectives.
Ana María Bermeo Ujueta, Project Manager, Konstfrämjandet Skåne
Session 1 – Introduction
The first meeting is designed to help participants get to know one another and develop a shared understanding of the coalition’s purpose and working methods. We will also begin discussing the societal challenge and gather participants’ expectations regarding the coalition’s work.
Session 2 – Deepening our understanding of the societal challenge
The second session focuses on deepening our understanding of the societal challenge. We will present an overview of the current situation and then examine the challenge from various perspectives. Together, we will formulate and refine the problem statement and identify the underlying causes.
Session 3 – Formulate goals and ideas for the future
During the third meeting, we’ll look ahead. We’ll work on formulating goals and possible solutions to the problems we’ve identified. The meeting will conclude with a group brainstorming session on potential solutions.
Session 4 – From Idea and Vision to Reality
The fourth meeting focuses on turning ideas into concrete action. We will select the solutions we want to pursue and identify which resources are already available and which ones are needed to move forward.
Together with various stakeholders, we have joined forces to address the following societal challenges:
Coalition for Youth Innovation – How can we harness the innovative potential of young people in both the labor market and society at large?Read more about the coalition.
Coalition for Equal and Complete Education for Young People – How can stakeholders outside the school system promote equal and complete education for young people?Learn more about the coalition.
Coalition for Equitable Health for Young People Through Culture – How Can Culture Contribute to More Equitable Health for Young People?
Coalition for Youth Civic Engagement in Rural Areas – How can we promote youth civic engagement in rural areas?Learn more about the coalition.
Coalition for Fairer Leisure – How can we work together more effectively to create fairer leisure opportunities for children and young people?
Coalition for Young People in the Workforce – How can we understand the transition from youth to the workforce? What opportunities and challenges exist, and for whom?
Coalition for Social Fabric in the Built Environment – How can we create better conditions for living environments with strong social sustainability in our communities? How can we work together to build a network of places where people can live the lives they want to live?Learn more about the partnership.
Coalition to Help People with Disabilities Take the Stage – How Can We Bridge the Gap Between the Performing Arts Industry and Artists with Disabilities?Learn more about the coalition.
Coalition meetings, where representatives from civil society, the private sector, and the public sector come together to develop ideas, offer unique opportunities to foster collaboration that benefits all parties, both in the short and long term.
Aage Radmann, Associate Professor,
, Malmö University
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122
Representatives from civil society (40), the public sector (35), the private sector (25), academia (17), and the target group (5) have participated in one of our coalitions. The target group has been a new category since 2024.
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98%%
of the participants say that the coalitions have helped them expand their network
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