Coalitions + schools = winning combo
“Good Behavior Game? BINGO!”
What looked like fun and games at a recent Concrete coalition meeting was actually an opportunity for members to learn about programs and concepts related to the group’s work. Meanwhile, in Whatcom County, Ferndale coalition participants shared their ideas for how the opioid settlement funds that are coming to the state should be distributed at the county level, a topic that also was discussed at a Whatcom Prevention Coalition meeting.
These types of conversations take place in meetings and Zoom rooms throughout the state as coalitions have become an integral part of creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
“I think the great thing about coalitions is that when it’s done right, you have all the major players at the table,” said Samantha Stormont, co-coordinator for the Sedro-Woolley RISE coalition. “And when that happens your community benefits from the organization of efforts and resources.”
Bringing representatives from across various sectors is a key coalition goal. In Washington, considered a leader in prevention, most coalitions are created under either the state Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative or the federal Drug Free Communities funding. Within these frameworks, representation is required from sectors such as law enforcement, schools, government, media, youth, and business, among others. These sector representatives help identify needs and make decisions about funding priorities.
Community coalitions directly tie to youth protective factors, explained Stephen Keck, a NWESD high school student assistant professional. He said his work on the Oak Harbor coalition has helped him connect with community partners and get more involvement in school activities, such as resource fairs.
“The ability to organize as a community with various perspectives and stakeholders allows us as prevention specialists to strengthen bonds with families, students, and community members across multiple disciplines and people,” he says.
In some communities, coalitions have come together around a shared community concern, without the state or federal framework. In Anacortes, for example, the Youth Support Community Collaboration was formed because of concerns about increasing youth substance use, explains group coordinator Danielle Vincent, associate program director for the Anacortes Family Center.
Coming together monthly is an opportunity for community members to learn about school needs and for everyone to learn what’s available to support young people.
Coalition members are not solely focused on helping young people, they also want to create opportunities for involvement, says Concrete coalition coordinator Marlena White. How to turn up the youth voice is a common thread through all types of coalition meetings.
In addition to bringing events and programs directly to youth, the Concrete coalition has used its larger network to help get youth included in external events and programs and has supported the youth programming of other community partners.
“The coalition helps highlight these activities, and the community loves seeing our youth in action and the amazing things they can do,” White says. “This helps everyone, including the youth themselves, see their potential and the overall positivity they can bring into the world.”
When creating the plan for the Concrete meeting, White says she learned her coalition is heavy on folks who love games.
“What could have been a relatively dry presentation on prevention science 101 and coalition programs turned into a lively game of bingo, complete with prizes,” she says. “I think this gets into one way coalitions help support prevention – we make it a community effort, and we make it FUN.”
Coalitions are always looking for new members. To get involved or learn more about community coalitions, check out the Athena Forum, and Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America – CADCA or reach out to the NWESD.
