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Staying Current By Tom Delaney Image above ©istockphoto.com/Veni represent an array of ideas and interests, and bring together or- ganizations/individuals to build a power base that works to influ- ence change for a mutual concern. Coalitions can be permanent or temporary; based on a single issue or multiple issues. A well- organized, broad-based green industry coalition can be successful in influencing policy changes, increasing public knowledge, creat- ing a network and developing innovative solutions to green in- dustry problems. G Coalitions and collaborations don't just happen. They come about usually because of a common problem and goal. However, it still takes a person or small group to provide the impetus to build a coalition and start things moving. The green industry needs legislative or grassroots coalitions at the national, state and local levels. In order for our industry to be successful at the various levels of legislative and regulatory activi- ties, we need all industry members to get involved and network. Green Industry Coalition Building and Networking reen industry coalitions can be the cornerstones for cre- ating successful groups that can do more together than each member or organization can do alone. They can One of the main issues we need to coordinate on is water — its resources, quality and regulation — because we all need it, and it affects us all. What green landscape do you know that can exist without water? What is the correct amount of water landscapes or plants need, and how can it be delivered? What happens when stormwater runs off, and what is in it when in enters bodies of water? I see more and more water issues at the state and federal lev- els. There are several coalitions that exist on particular issues, and more groups are willing to sign on and lend their names to let- ters and initiatives that are presented to lawmakers. But there is It will take an army of green industry individuals and companies working together to force some resolutions to our joint issues. so much more that we need to do to address some of our com- mon issues. Sometimes, working together may mean that we need to put the things we don't agree on behind us, put aside past problems and people issues, and work on the things we can agree on for the betterment of the industry. It will take an army of green industry individuals and compa- nies working together to force some resolutions to our joint is- sues. But, if we don't solve the problems where they exist when they start, we can't expect to solve them when they multiply and spread across the entire industry. PLANET is involved in many national coalitions on many issues, and is happy to share its expe- riences. For example, PLANET is involved with the Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC) and the H-2B Work- force Coalition, the National Turfgrass Foundation, Project Ever- green, the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Lawn and Landscape Products Coalition. PLANET has worked on an informal coalition with the EPA WaterSense Program and is currently working on a coalition to establish an ANSI standard for landscape and turf water needs. Water is one of the most important issues needing our joint efforts. So, let's just see what we can do with more efforts toward coalition building, communication and networking. Tom Delaney is director of government affairs at the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). For more information, visit www.landcarenetwork.org. 30 Landscape and Irrigation July/August 2012 www.landscapeirrigation.com LI