Coalitions

user warning: Column 'nid' in where clause is ambiguous query: SELECT title FROM node INNER JOIN node_access na ON na.nid = n.nid WHERE (na.grant_view >= 1 AND ((na.gid = 0 AND na.realm = 'all') OR (na.gid = 1 AND na.realm = 'nodeaccess_rid') OR (na.gid = 0 AND na.realm = 'nodeaccess_uid') OR (na.gid = 0 AND na.realm = 'nodeaccess_author') OR (na.gid = 1 AND na.realm = 'forum_access'))) AND ( nid=624) in /home/www/HEC/drupal-5.22/includes/database.mysql.inc on line 174.

Research and best practices indicate that the most effective programs are campuswide efforts that involve as many parts of the college as possible, including administrators, staff, faculty, and students. Building coalitions with local community leaders is also critical. Prevention planners can collaborate with local leaders to limit student access to alcohol and other drugs, prevent intoxication, and support the efforts of local law enforcement.

The Higher Education Center has supported college administrators, state officials, and community leaders in forming campus and community coalitions and taking an environmental approach to prevention. This approach is grounded in the principle that students’ decisions about AOD use are shaped by their physical, social, economic, and legal environment.

A committed group of government officials, local prevention advocates, and other key stakeholders on campus and in the local community can help shape this environment to support students in making healthy and productive decisions. Some examples of broad environmental strategies are outlined in the Environmental Management section of this site.

The Network Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other Drug Issues is a good source of information and support for those looking to begin or enhance coalition work. Begun in 1987 by the U.S. Department of Education, the Network is a national consortium of institution of higher education professionals aimed at sharing and disseminating information to help curb AOD use and violence among students, in part by encouraging and supporting community collaboration.

Several mechanisms facilitate team collaboration among partners committed to AODV prevention: a campus task force can address the contributors to AODV problems on campus, a campus and community coalition will address the root causes of the problems in the surrounding community, and a statewide prevention initiative can help mobilize coalitions to engage policy change at the state level. Involving local, regional, and statewide officials to speak out against problems can also raise public awareness and provide a stimulus for broad-based solutions. Beyond that, a strong campus and community coalition can provide the direction and pressure needed to see effective solutions implemented.

The Higher Education Center welcomes your feedback.
Please use our Suggestion Box.