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).