Building a Coalition to Fight Book Bans: You Can’t Do It Alone

The wave of book bans sweeping across the country is unprecedented. Fueled by political agendas and fear-based messaging, censorship efforts have reached a fever pitch, threatening the freedom to read in schools and libraries everywhere. As a parent-led nonprofit, the Freedom to Read Project knows firsthand that standing up to these efforts requires more than passion—it requires people. A lot of them.

That’s why coalition building is not just helpful—it’s essential. One voice can be dismissed. Many voices can shift policy, protect access, and push back against censorship campaigns with the force of a united front.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to build a grassroots coalition of fellow volunteers and organizations who share your commitment to protecting access to literature. You’ll also learn how to identify strategic allies, sustain momentum, and ensure your coalition is strong, equitable, and effective.

Why You Can’t Do It Alone

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself. When a book is pulled from shelves or a school district passes a restrictive policy, your instinct might be to act quickly and handle it solo. But this path is unsustainable and, more importantly, ineffective over the long term.

Fighting book bans requires:

• Attending school board meetings
• Submitting public records requests
• Organizing community support
• Creating and distributing resources
• Engaging the media
• Advocating for policy reform

No one person can manage all of this alone—and they shouldn't have to. The most impactful movements are built by coalitions: networks of individuals and organizations working toward a common goal.

Step 1: Identify Potential Partners

The first step in building a coalition is identifying potential allies. Use these questions from our Coalition Building Worksheet to get started:

Mission Alignment

Which organizations have a mission that aligns with yours? This could include:

• Public education advocates
• Anti-censorship nonprofits
• Literacy and library organizations
• Student rights groups

These groups may already be fighting book bans, even if they don’t frame it exactly the same way. Look for shared values, such as intellectual freedom, access to information, and equity in education.

Resource Alignment

Which organizations have resources that support your work?

• Legal assistance
• Media training
• Research and data
• Community organizing tools

Working with groups that have complementary strengths helps your coalition stay equipped and adaptable.

Audience Reach

Who are you trying to reach, and which organizations already have their trust?

• PTA groups
• Local bookstores and libraries
• Youth-led activist groups
• Cultural organizations

Strategic partnerships expand your message and help mobilize diverse communities.

Power and Influence

Which organizations or individuals are connected to decision-makers?

• School board members
• Local legislators
• Community leaders
• Journalists

Influence matters. Bringing in voices that carry weight in your local or state context can accelerate your impact.

Step 2: Build Mutually Beneficial Relationships

Coalition building isn’t just about recruiting help—it’s about building relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.

Ask yourself:

• “What do we bring to the table that benefits them?”
• “How can we ensure a healthy and equitable partnership?”

Perhaps your organization has:

• Strong connections with parents and students
• On-the-ground knowledge of local school board dynamics
• A public platform that can elevate partners’ work

Approach partnerships with collaboration, not competition. Be transparent, give credit generously, and center the coalition’s collective mission above individual agendas.

Step 3: Recruit and Activate Volunteers

Volunteers are the heartbeat of any grassroots movement. But effective volunteer engagement requires intentionality:

• Start small and personal: Invite a few trusted friends or fellow parents to help with a specific task (e.g., attending a meeting, drafting a statement).
• Hold an interest meeting: Host an in-person or virtual gathering to share your mission, assess interest, and identify skills.
• Create clear roles: Define specific, manageable responsibilities so people know how they can contribute.
• Stay connected: Use tools like email newsletters, group chats, and shared calendars to keep your coalition engaged and informed.

Remember: not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something.

Step 4: Collaborate with Other Nonprofits

Don’t reinvent the wheel—partner with existing organizations that share your values. National and regional nonprofits often have infrastructure, funding, or legal expertise you can lean on.

Benefits of Partnering with Other Nonprofits:

• Amplify messaging with coordinated communications
• Access expert guidance on policy, media, and legal issues
• Share resources like toolkits, data, and templates
• Boost credibility by aligning with established organizations

Reach out with humility and a clear ask. For example:

“We’re organizing a local response to recent book bans. Would your organization be willing to co-host an event or share legal guidance?”

Strong partnerships with nonprofits working in education, civil liberties, and youth empowerment can elevate your efforts significantly.

Step 5: Sustain and Grow the Coalition

Building a coalition is one thing; keeping it alive is another. Here’s how to sustain momentum:

Celebrate Wins

Even small victories (like a single book being reinstated) deserve recognition. Share wins publicly and privately to keep morale high.

Share Leadership

Distribute responsibility to avoid burnout. Let others lead meetings, speak to the media, or coordinate events.

Document Everything

Keep a record of what works (and what doesn’t). This helps new volunteers get up to speed and ensures knowledge doesn’t get lost.

Keep the Vision Front and Center

Remind your coalition regularly of the bigger picture: protecting students’ right to read and preserving democracy through intellectual freedom.

Together, We Are Powerful

When books are banned, it’s not just pages being silenced—it’s people. Voices. Histories. Ideas.

But we are not powerless. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can build a movement that is stronger than censorship.

Coalitions are how we win.

Start with what you have, invite others in, and build from there. Whether it’s two people at a kitchen table or a dozen organizations rallying at a school board meeting, every collective effort matters.