This booklet offers a set of guidelines for developing a community-based coalition dedicated to improving the education of at-risk minority students. The guide offers and is organized around the following nine-step plan for the development and implementation of strategies to mobilize a community: (1) "the initiation: build core support"; (2) "develop your ideas" to enlarge the coalition and explore strategies for action; (3) "build community interest in action" by contacting community organizations and influential individuals; (4) "reach consensus on action" at the first meeting; (5) "develop a blueprint for action" by working out the details; (6) "sell the program to the larger community" by publicizing the plan and broadening the base of support; (7) "implement the plan" and work at maintaining interest in the effort; (8) "monitor and evaluate the program" identifying its strengths, weaknesses, and impact; and (9) "determine the effectiveness of your plan for action" by reviewing the implementation process. Steps 5 through 9 include examples from a prototype plan for action for improving the dropout rate of Black youth. Also included are a sample timeline and worksheets. Appendices offer the following additional information: (1) questions for stimulating discussion in community meetings; and (2) a list of possible community resources and the roles they might play. (JB)