Through the formation of broad-based campus-community coalitions and collaborations, participants in such efforts can create long-lasting changes in the environment that support healthy lifestyle choices and promote safe and supportive learning environments.
Sustaining momentum for change and widespread support for new programs and policies requires collaboration and communication and the development of a structure where everyone knows what their role is, with regular communication about what is taking place. In addition, successful coalitions have members who feel that changes can occur in the community to improve the health and safety of all community members—not just students. Successful programs to develop and maintain safe and supportive learning environments address all of these factors in a comprehensive approach. For campuses and surrounding communities, it is especially important to complement existing efforts by addressing the physical, social, economic, and legal environment which influence campus climate and contribute to safe and supportive learning environments, which can be accomplished through a mix of institutional, community, and public policy change.
Sustaining momentum of coalition work rests on the ability of both the campus and the community to take a long-term view of the process of changing the campus climate and commitment by both to a collaborative process. Changing the campus culture to provide an environment that promotes student success is a long-term, community-wide process. Coalitions should not expect results right away and be prepared for resistance and opposition to efforts to change the status quo. The following are key elements of sustainability: