Building Effective Coalitions with Dr. Christine Petit

Movement elder Bernice Johnson Reagon wrote: “You don’t go into coalition because you like it. The only reason you would consider trying to team up with somebody who could possibly kill you is because that it is the only way you can figure that you can stay alive.” In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christine Petit to talk about what it actually takes to build coalitions that work — even through all the frustrating people dynamics. We talk about honoring the competitive part of ourselves instead of judging it away, why territoriality isn't a character flaw but a survival response, the small glimmers that keep us going when the big wins are slow to come, and why setting precedent is such a crucial lever for lasting change. If you're grappling with conflict in your coalition work, or want to build the partnerships your movement actually needs to win, this conversation is for you. Guest: Dr. Christine Petit — organizational consultant, interim executive, and leadership coach with more than two decades of experience building and strengthening mission-driven organizations and coalitions. A sociologist by training, she supports leaders at the intersections of social change, organizational development, and personal growth. https://www.drchristinepetit.com