Creating a Community Coalition
Coalitions … partnerships … collaborations … all have become essential in successful
efforts to prevent and reduce underage drinking. According to The Surgeon General’s
Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking, “Communities can
come together to encourage a new attitude about underage drinking. A community that
opposes underage drinking can help change how people think and act. But it takes
time. So it’s important to keep sending the message that the community does not
approve of underage drinking. Together, communities can support teen decisions NOT
to drink.”
The Call to Action advises, “Organize groups to change community thinking
about underage alcohol use. Support the message that underage drinking is not okay.”
For publications and other materials available to assist in building and sustaining
community coalitions and to support your community’s underage alcohol use prevention
efforts, visit the
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
(CADCA).