The C2PLA Coalition is well into its 12th year of action, although planning and preparation began several years earlier. The Coalition formed as part of a community mobilization intervention that is facilitated by staff from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, but one of its goals is to garner enough momentum and leadership to become sustainable beyond the life of the intervention. What makes the Coalition unique is that it focuses on upstream solutions, that is, structural changes, rather than emphasizing individual level solutions.
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Click to learn more about HIV Prevention at the Structural Level
Our Mission:
The mission of the C2PLA Coalition is to mobilize the community and create structural change to reduce HIV/AIDS among young gay and bisexual men of color. 


Our Vision:  The vision of the C2PLA Coalition is to address the many identities, disparities, and experiences of youth of color in Los Angeles County.  The coalition will collaboratively advocate for their quality of life, while supporting them as champions of change in their communities.   


Our Target Population:
C2PLA’s initial target population was young men who have sex with men (MSM), of color, ages 12 to 24, in Service Planning Area (SPA) 6, which is roughly equal to South L.A. Before choosing the target population, the Coalition examined extensive data for LA County, including the following:  HIV risk factors, HIV incidence and prevalence, demographics, and neighborhood resources and needs. The target population was selected based on it being disproportionately impacted by HIV and less likely to have access to services. In 2010, the Coalition decided to add all of Los Angeles County to its designated target area.  


The Community Mobilization Process:
The Coalition follows a strategic planning process to implement a local action plan, with the intent of engaging an increasing number of stakeholders to create structural changes. Structural changes are defined as new or modified programs, policies, or practices that are logically linkable to HIV acquisition and transmission that can be sustained over time, even when key actors are no longer involved. They may directly or indirectly impact individuals. Working to accomplish Structural Change Objectives is generally fulfilled through subcommittees which meet monthly, while the Coalition meets to strategize every other month.

Funding:
C2PLA Coalition is part of the Adolescent Trials Network (ATN) for HIV/AIDS interventions, a network of researchers in urban areas in the United States and Puerto Rico who are committed to preventing illness in young people. The ATN receives its funding for Connect to Protect from the National Institutes of Health.

**One monumental difference between a "coalition" and a "program" is that 
the coalition seeks to ensure that all causes of identified problems are addressed. 

** Callahan, J.C. Hall, C. (2006) The Difference Between a Program and a Coalition; National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute CADCA Presentation; November 2006.