During this hour-long CADCA-TV program, called The Art of Community Mobilizing, find out what has worked for some coalitions and what leaders of CADCA’s Coalition Institute recommend. Learn the difference between community organizing and mobilizing. See how a coalition in New York City has mobilized and is making a difference.
Key Concepts:
- Learn the difference between community organizing and community mobilizing
- Find out how the concepts for action can help you mobilize
- See the steps to doing the work
- Discover how to build relationships with residents
Originally Aired Date: July 22, 2010
Host & Panelists
Mary Elizabeth Elliott
(Host) Vice President of Communications, Membership, and Information Technology, CADCA
Jane Callahan
Director of CADCA’s National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute
Jane Callahan became the Institute director in 2002. Prior to coming to her current position, she was the Executive Director of the City of Vallejo, CA Fighting Back Partnership. During her 13-year tenure there, she was responsible for guiding the development of one of the oldest and broadest coalitions in the United States.
CADCA’s National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute is funded as part of the Drug Free Communities Act. Its aim is to increase the percentage of effective community anti-drug coalitions throughout the United States.
Callahan majored in English and Child Development in college and and received a master’s degree in Education from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA in 1974.
Michael Sparks
Alcohol Policy Specialist, CADCA Trainer
Michael Sparks is an Alcohol Policy Specialist working with communities across the country to reduce alcohol-related problems. Prior to moving to a consultant role, he served as an Associate Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded Free to Grow initiative at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He also served as the first Executive Director of the Marin Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems.
Sparks has expertise in the alcohol policy field as well as in the areas of community building, using local control strategies to manage problematic alcohol and drug environments, the legislative process, and neighborhood revitalization. He has provided training in the areas of community organizing, alcohol policy, using the legislative process to reduce alcohol and other drug problems, neighborhood revitalization and leadership development.
Sparks received a master’s degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University in 1982.
George Vasquez
CADCA Trainer
After spending 21 years working in different capacities for the hospitality industry, in 1991 George became a community organizer. His first experience lasted 15 years while working at Vallejo Fighting Back where he coordinated the Vallejo Alcohol Policy Coalition.
For the past several years, Vasquez has been sharing his knowledge and experience with the Latino community working in many countries in Central and South America as a member of CADCA’s International Programs.
Vasquez received his bachelor’s degree from from Universidad Catolica de Guayaqui (Catholic University of Guataquil in Equador) in 1966.