Coalitions involve multiple sectors of the community and implement strategies that focus on policy, systems and environmental change. The pooling of resources, mobilization of talents and diverse approaches inherent in a community coalition make it a logical approach for promoting health and preventing disease. A coalition or partnership must evaluate its infrastructure, function and processes; strategies for achieving its goals; and changes in health/social status or the community. This session will describe how to 1) develop a comprehensive evaluation strategy based on coalition theory; 2) select appropriate short, intermediate and long-term indicators to measure outcomes; 3) choose appropriate methods and tools; and 4) use evaluation results to provide accountability to stakeholders, and improve coalition function and strategic goals. #2012Institute