Step 6: Seek Out External Allies
One way to combat any potential problems is to cultivate allies outside tennis, your immediate organization and your coalition. Identifying local decision-makers and gaining their early support will be a huge boost to your project down the road. Here are a few examples of local decision-makers who may be important to your mission:- Chamber of Commerce members
- City council members
- College presidents and trustees
- County Commissioners
- Mayor or local executive
- Planning and zoning commission members
- Park and recreation board members
- State legislators
- School board or committee members
Of course, to gain one of these decision-makers as an ally, you need to first meet them and engage them. To meet and familiarize yourself with the decision-makers in your community, try the following:
- Attend Chamber of Commerce events where public officials will be in attendance.
- Find out if any public officials or their family members play tennis.
- As an individual, participate in local election campaigns so you can get to know the issues.
- Find out how tennis can help address the policy priorities of local decision-makers.
Tip: Never rule anyone or anything out. You may be surprised by who wants to help you.
