Coalitions of service providers are playing increasingly large roles in developing policies and programs affecting youth. Community coalitions are cost-effective, efficient ways to expand services and to increase the capacity of the community to plan and program for young people. This manual provides a basis for examination of the coalition concept, and the ways in which it could apply in specific local settings. Major topics focus on the following aspects of coalition development: (1) roles and functions, (2) definition by function, (3) implications for structure, and (4) maintenance strategies. The information was prepared for geographically specific organizations, but could be applied, in full or part, to other geographical areas. (Author/BMW)