An example of how a community coalition can change community norms about youth alcohol use and reduce underage drinking rates is described in the most recent edition of CADCA's Coalition's Online.
The story describes a Missouri coalition's many activities including a social marketing campaign aimed at parents who provide alcohol to teenagers; a social norms campaign to promote the fact that most teenagers do not drink alcohol; policy change advocacy regarding accessibility of alcohol; and working with law enforcement with compliance checks at stores. Like Prevention Works In Seattle, the coalition used the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to guide its decisions.
This provides another example of how PREVENTION WORKS! It takes time (the Missouri coalition was formed in 2000) and a great deal of community effort, but communities can make a positive difference in the lives of youth.
