Power to the Partners: Organizational Coalitions in Social Justice Advocacy

A vital examination of how social and economic justice organizations overcome resource disadvantages and build political power. Why do some coalitions triumph while others fall short? In Power to the Partners, Maraam A. Dwidar documents the vital role of social and economic justice organizations in American politics and explores the process by which they strategically build partnerships to advance more effective and equitable advocacy. Using original data tracking the collaboration patterns of more than twenty thousand nationally active advocacy organizations, Dwidar evaluates the micro- and macro-level conditions surrounding these groups' successful efforts to collectively shape public policy. Power to the Partners reveals that while organizational advocates for social and economic justice are at a disadvantage in the American lobbying landscape—financially, tactically, and politically—coalition work can help ameliorate these disparities. By building and sustaining coalitions with structures and memberships that facilitate clarity, learning, and diverse perspectives, these advocates can successfully—and uniquely—make their mark on American public policy. Dwidar's work offers critical insights for scholars and practitioners alike, from groundbreaking academic findings to evidence-based lessons for political organizers.

Table of Contents:
1. The Power of Partnership 2. Collaboration as Compensation 3. Studying Coalitions 4. Coalition Building, Architecture, and Influence 5. Coalition Membership 6. Collaboration in Context 7. Collaboration and Intersectional Representation Conclusion Acknowledgments Appendixes Notes References Index

About the Author :
Maraam A. Dwidar is assistant professor of government at Georgetown University. Her research focuses on understanding the factors that govern effective and equitable lobbying in American politics.

Review :
“No previous work has even begun to trace such patterns at the scale and level of precision that Dwidar has…Yet, it is not primarily this commendable data collection effort and the unique resulting dataset that makes this book such a valuable, inspirational read. It is the way Dwidar weaves countless powerful examples of lobbying successes by social justice groups, as well as rich interview evidence from more than two dozen interviews with organizational leaders and agency bureaucrats, into her analysis. Most importantly, this is a book that can provide hope in times where many might need it the most." "An essential and meticulously researched contribution to the literature on coalition politics and advocacy within the American political system...For professionals working in policy, advocacy, or organizational strategy, Power to the Partners is a masterclass in coalition effectiveness. Dwidar’s prose is accessible yet rigorous, striking a rare balance between academic depth and actionable insight. This is not just a book for scholars; it’s for practitioners aiming to make a measurable impact through collective effort...a compelling, well-argued, and profoundly relevant study of how marginalized groups can punch above their weight in shaping policy. It provides both theoretical and practical frameworks for building smarter, more inclusive, and more powerful coalitions." "A well-researched and insightful guide to building long-lasting coalitions." "Power to the Partners opens an important window into how marginalized groups navigate the procedural heart of the administrative state. It reminds us that power rests not only on resources and access but also on the strategic capacity to play the long game. This involves building coalitions, expertise, and reputations that make historically marginalized groups legitimate players in the policy process." “Truly remarkable in its data collection and empirical scope, Power to the Partners is an important contribution to several literatures. It addresses normatively and substantively fundamental questions about representation of marginalized groups in American politics. A winner.” "Drawing on the power of computational tools and original data collection, Power to the Partners answers a question crucial to identifying a pathway out of this fractured political moment in America: namely, how can groups build and sustain successful coalitions to advance a more just and equitable society? A must-read for anyone interested in nurturing successful political partnerships.” "Coalition politics and administrative policymaking are concepts that don’t usually travel together, but Power to the Partners shows that they are inseparably linked. After learning from Dwidar’s innovative and exhaustive analysis of hundreds of thousands of organizations involved in thousands upon thousands of federal rules, students and scholars will never again see rulemaking quite the same way."