Who is the Quality of Life Coalition?  The Quality of Life Coalition is an umbrella organization serving the Houston region.  It includes a diverse group of organizations whose missions vary widely, though all are in agreement about the importance and need for more parks, street trees and natural areas, fewer billboards, appropriately scaled signage, and no graffiti, litter or abandoned lots.  Collectively, these 82 organizations are able to more effectively address quality of life issues affecting the Houston area than if they attempted to do so individually.    Who directs the Quality of Life Coalition?  The Quality of Life Coalition is governed by a 12-person Steering Committee.  Organizations who endorse the Quality of Life Coalition’s Agenda may each assign two representatives to the Policy Working Group.  The Policy Working Group meets as needed to share information and to discuss priorities.  At each meeting, the Steering Committee members report on actions taken and solicit participation and advice on future activities.  What does the Quality of Life Coalition do?  The Quality of Life Coalition works to affect policy and encourage change in order to implement the Agenda originally agreed upon by the founding members and endorsing organizations.  We work with elected officials, private citizens, organizations and agencies to ensure adequate funding, sound planning, and appropriate implementation of the Agenda items.  Who can become an Endorser? Any organization or group can sign up as an Endorser.  It is not necessary to have any particular legal status to become an Endorser; our endorsers include chambers of commerce, churches, environmental study groups, neighborhood associations, clubs, public charities, hospitals, and 501(c)(3)’s.  Endorsing the Agenda or joining the Quality of Life Coalition simply allows the Quality of Life Coalition to list the organization as an Endorser. What are the benefits of becoming an Endorser?   As an Endorser, you will have representation on the Policy Working Group, which typically meets biannually or as needed; you will receive the electronic newsletter with the latest information on issues affecting quality of life issues in the Houston region; and you will receive Action Alerts that discuss pending legislation and public policy decisions that require community support and action. You can choose whether to forward the newsletters and Action Alerts to your own constituency, or if you prefer, you can ask that any interested constituents be placed individually on the Quality of Life Coalition’s contact list so that they receive these communications directly. Most importantly, you will add your voice to those working for improved quality of life in the Houston area, and you will be a more effective part of working for that goal. What does it cost to join?  Nothing.  To become an Endorser, an organization must formally agree to support the agenda allowing the Quality of Life Coalition to use it in the effort to further the Quality of Life Agenda.  The Quality of Life Coalition is staffed by the Greater Houston Partnership under a memorandum of operation that guarantees independence of action to the Coalition Steering Committee.  Voluntary contributions are welcomed to help the Coalition achieve its goals. What next?  Download the Endorser Resolution Form and present it to your Board or membership for their approval.  Once you have approval, mail the form to the address listed below.  Be sure to include the names, addresses, e-mail and additional contact information for your organization’s two representatives for the Policy Working Group, as well as any additional names you want added to the Quality of Life Coalition’s newsletter and Action Alert databases.  Mail completed documents to:    Quality of Life Coalition Program Manager 1200 Smith,Ste. 700 Houston, Texas 77002