Case Study: Building a Statewide Coalition to Drive Policy Change for Children

Client Type: Statewide education and youth-serving nonprofit
Engagement: Coalition strategy, advocacy planning, and campaign execution
Timeframe: Multi-year initiative (Phase One)

The Challenge

The organization had demonstrated strong programmatic impact at the local level but faced structural barriers to scaling its work statewide. There were no consistent policies requiring schools to provide adequate time for physical activity, and efforts to mandate change were historically met with resistance around local control, funding, and implementation.

The organization needed a strategy that could:

  • Build public awareness without triggering backlash

  • Unite diverse stakeholders with competing priorities

  • Lay the groundwork for both policy change and public investment

The Strategy

Common Road Advisors led the design and execution of a coalition-based advocacy model focused on long-term systems change rather than a single legislative win.

Key elements included:

  • Convening a broad, bipartisan coalition spanning health, education, youth justice, and community leadership

  • Developing a dual advocacy strategy:

    • Asset-based messaging highlighting the benefits of play and student well-being

    • Deficit-based messaging documenting gaps, inequities, and policy failures

  • Launching a statewide earned media and digital awareness campaign to educate the public

  • Supporting legislative education and relationship-building with policymakers

  • Aligning research, communications, and advocacy partners around a shared roadmap

The Results

Phase One produced meaningful outcomes across awareness, infrastructure, and funding:

  • Statewide Coalition Built: A durable, cross-sector coalition with shared ownership of the issue

  • Public Awareness:

    • 1.6+ million digital impressions

    • 370,000+ video views

    • Coverage across major TV, radio, and print outlets

  • Public Investment Secured: Nearly $1 million in state funding to expand programming and impact

  • Policy Momentum: Ongoing legislative engagement positioned the issue for future statutory and regulatory change

Why It Worked

  • Coalition-building shifted the power dynamic from a single organization to a movement

  • Messaging balanced aspiration with evidence, avoiding ideological traps

  • Awareness efforts were designed to support—not substitute for—policy work

  • Political strategy emphasized relationship-building and credibility over short-term wins

Key Takeaway

For organizations pursuing systems change, coalition-led advocacy paired with disciplined strategy can unlock funding, influence policy, and shift public narratives—without overexposing the organization to political risk.


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