What should you do if your community coalition lacks participation from a specific focus community?

The recommended approach for addressing a lack of participation from a specific focus community is to encourage existing coalition members to reach out to that community. This method is effective because coalition members often have established relationships, credibility, and an understanding of the unique needs and dynamics within the focus community. By leveraging these connections, they can facilitate more meaningful engagement and participation, fostering trust and open communication.

Additionally, reaching out through coalition members can help identify any barriers that may be preventing participation, such as misunderstandings about the coalition's purpose or perceived benefits. This proactive approach helps ensure that all voices are represented in the coalition, which is essential for effective prevention strategies that consider diverse community perspectives.

Considering the other options, going to groups that volunteered might not address the underlying issue of engaging the focus community, as this approach could potentially overlook the specific concerns and priorities of that group. Attending events sponsored by the focus community could be beneficial but may not be as direct or effective as having coalition members actively reach out and identify ways to involve that community. Waiting for coalition completion does not encourage active engagement and risks losing momentum in fostering collaboration and participation from essential community stakeholders.