About the Organization
What is the Marin Coalition?
The Marin Coalition is a non-profit civic affairs organization founded in 1974. It is a California corporation (C0699304) and operates under IRS rule 501(c)(3). Our mission is to engage residents of Marin County in discussions focused on public policy and civic improvement. We do this primarily through a monthly speaker series featuring leading newsmakers, scientists, experts, and elected officials.
What kinds of topics do your speakers address?
Our programs cover the full range of issues that shape life in Marin County and the wider Bay Area, including housing and homelessness, public health, the environment, transportation, education, public safety, and political affairs. Past speakers have included members of Congress, county sheriffs, university researchers, nonprofit leaders, water district officials, and local journalists. We always welcome ideas regarding topics and/or speakers. If you would like to make any suggestions, please contact us using the Contact the Board form.
Is the Marin Coalition a membership organization?
The Marin Coalition does not have a formal paid membership structure. Our programs are open to anyone in the community. We encourage supporters to make a tax deductible donation to help sustain the speaker series, and we welcome everyone to join our email list for program announcements.
Are past programs available for viewing?
Our Program Archives is a free video library of past presentations dating back to the 2013–14 season. New recordings are posted a few days after each event. No registration is required to watch. They can be good sources of information about many divergent topics such as our political leaders, community movers and shakers, issues of concern, civic organizations, etc.
Attending Events
When and where do programs take place?
Programs are generally held on the second Thursday of each month, September through June. Check-in begins at 1:00 pm and the program runs from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Our current venue is the Marin Rod & Gun Club, located at 2675 Francisco Blvd East, San Rafael, CA 94901. It is located just before the Richmond-San Rafael bridge with easy access and amply on-site parking. Visit the Our Next Program page for detailed directions.
How much does it cost to attend?
Advance tickets are $12 for one person or $18 for two people. Walk-ins are welcome at $15 per person at the door. This cost is intended to cover the expense of renting the venue only. No-host food and beverages are available at the venue. Reservations can be made on the Our Next Program page.
Do I need to make reservations in advance?
While walk-ins are supported, reservations are strongly encouraged. Reserving in advance saves you money ($12 vs. $15) and helps us plan appropriately. You can reserve your spot on the Our Next Program page.
Can anyone attend, or is it limited to Marin County residents?
All are welcome! While our programs primarily focus on issues affecting Marin County and the Bay Area, there is no residency requirement. Anyone interested in civic affairs is encouraged to attend.
How do I find out about upcoming programs?
The best way is to sign up for our email list. We send announcements before each program. You can also check the Our Next Program page on this website at any time.
Can I interact with the speaker(s) and ask questions?
Absolutely yes. Every program includes both a formal presentation by the guest speaker(s) and a lengthy Q&A period. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions directly.
Membership & Donations
Is the Marin Coalition a non-profit? Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. The Marin Coalition is a California non-profit corporation operating under IRS rule 501(c)(3), which means donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for specifics.
How is the Marin Coalition funded?
We are entirely dependent on the financial support of our community — through program attendance fees and voluntary donations. Your contributions directly enable us to continue bringing quality speakers to Marin. The program attendance fees are structured to cover the direct cost of each program. All general overhead costs such as insurance, website, and email services are solely funded by voluntary donations.
How can I make a donation?
Donations can be made online via the Donate page on this website. We gratefully accept contributions of any amount.
How can I get involved with the Marin Coalition beyond attending events?
The best ways to support us are to attend programs, make a donation, and spread the word in the community. If you are interested in volunteering or joining the board, please contact the board directly.
Email List & Newsletter
How do I sign up to receive program announcement?
Visit our Email List Sign-up page and enter your name and email address. You’ll receive notifications about upcoming programs and occasional news from the Coalition.
How often will I receive emails?
Emails are sent to announce upcoming programs (roughly once a month during the September–June season) and occasionally for special news. We respect your inbox and will not send excessive or unrelated communications.
How do I unsubscribe from the email list?
We follow international regulations. Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link at the bottom. If you unsubscribe your email address, only you can add it back onto our email list. You can also contact us directly to request removal from the list.
Will my email address be shared with third parties?
Absolutely not. We use your contact information solely to send Marin Coalition program announcements. It is not shared with any other entity. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you.