Effective coalition building requires coordination, collaboration, and involvement of diverse community partners from the beginning. FIGH aimed to build coalitions and develop leaders through health systems work by creating an adult coalition and a separate youth leadership development program, which empowered individuals, engaged the community, and advocated for a healthier coalition for underserved communities.

CPACS formed a youth task force to advocate for tobacco policy change through work with policymakers, partnerships with national nonprofits, and the local tobacco control GATE coalition. Engaging youth in policy initiatives allowed for greater community support for smoke-free ordinance passage and legislative change.