Build a Link Coalition: First Steps

Stopping the cycle of violence starts with everyday people who want to make a difference — people like you.

Here are some initial steps you can take to build a Link coalition to prevent the spread of abuse, neglect and cruelty in your area:

Step 1: Get Connected

• Reach out to the following agencies, organizations or other entities to determine their level of awareness of The Link and their interest in participating in a Community Link Coalition:
• Police force
• Animal control workers
• Animal shelter(s)
• Child welfare agency or agencies
• Veterinarians
• Domestic violence shelter workers
• Schools/Educators
• Mayor’s and/or governor’s office
• Women’s advocacy groups
• Children’s advocacy centers
• Adult protective services
• Victims’ services
• Prosecutors 
• Family and children’s court judges
• Probation and parole officials

Step 2: Get Organized

Once you’ve identified individuals and groups in your community who, like you, are concerned about ramifications of The Link, schedule a meeting. Whether it’s a small get-together over your kitchen table or a larger affair in a rented hotel room, you’ll need to determine your Link coalition’s goals. These could include:

• Spreading awareness of The Link among professional service providers and members of the community
• Bridging the gap between the human services and animal welfare fields; too often, advocates from each area do not work together
• Providing training on cross-reporting for professionals who spot forms of abuse or neglect outside their area of expertise
• Offering lessons in humane education to area schools or recreation centers
• Helping domestic violence shelters in the area accommodate residents’ pets
• Researching and advocating for legislation that recognizes The Link and protects those vulnerable to abuse and neglect
• Organizing a local or regional Link conference
• Conducting activities in connection with national events (Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Be Kind to Animals Week®, National Child Abuse Prevention month, etc.)

Step 3: Get Going

With goals to guide you and coalition members to help you, it’s time to act! Don’t be afraid to start small; the point is to start. For help in starting your coalition, please contact the National Link Coalition.

Read a case study of how a successful Link coalition -- the Maine Linkage Project -- was started! (PDF)