Drawing on McMillan and Chavis's psychological sense of community framework among southwestern community coalition members (N = 18), data were examined for narratives of how psychological sense of community and experiences of community manifest among coalition members. We were also interested in knowing how coalition members make meaning of social change. Findings illustrate that dimensions of psychological sense of community (e.g., membership, emotional connection, needs' fulfillment, and influence) are important in how members made meaning of community needs and their own participation in the coalition. Implications are put forward for theory and community programming. K E Y W O R D S community belongingness, community coalitions, psychological sense of community, social change 1 | INTRODUCTION Participation in community coalitions is an effective method to address concerns related to public health (World Health Organization, 2017), social justice (Christens et al., 2019; Wolff et al., 2016), and other systemic social problems (e.g., poverty and education). In 2020, we are observing the resurgence of community coalitions and mutual aid groups engaged in collective support during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the United States (Tolentino, 2020). These examples highlight that coalitions serve as important catalysts for change in policies and practices by enabling communities to address concerning issues (Cicognani et al., 2020). Effective community coalitions support individuals, organizations, and the community itself, to take on larger and more difficult social problems, address long-term challenges, and ultimately create stronger networks and alliances among stakeholders (Huang & Seldon, 2014; Kanok et al., 2015). From an empowerment perspective, community coalitions enhance the self-efficacy and leadership capacity of members to enact a critical social change (Christens et al., 2019). Community coalitions are an important setting to create hope, social change, and shared collective belongingness in underserved communities. Studies indicate that these organizational settings serve as fertile ground for cultivating voice and participation in social change (Christens & Speer, 2015; Lardier, Bergeson, et al., 2018; Peterson et al., 2019). For underserved urban and rural communities, coalitions offer a grassroots perspective for change that not only bridges and bonds resources (i.e., connecting, supporting, and facilitating; see Stanton-Salazar, 2011), but are grounded in community needs and perspectives. Coalitions are also structural settings that have the potential to facilitate leadership development and political consciousness among members (Christens et al., 2019; Saadi et al., 2019). From a liberation psychologist's perspective, coalition development and outward action are rooted in healing, particularly when people develop a deeper understanding of their social oppression and begin resisting (Moane, 2003; Prilleltensky, 2008). Community coalitions are critical settings for solidarity and collective acti...
