NCJ Number
146279
Date Published
1993
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This is a guide for environmental prevention of drug and alcohol problems through a community organizing model.
Abstract
Part I of this manual is concerned with the ways and means of establishing an effective community organization and reviews the principles of community organizing. Part II details three case studies of community groups that for several years have dealt with alcohol and other drug problems in their communities. These case studies illustrate many of the community organizing principles contained in Part I and also explore community-based actions for prevention. The principles of community organizing fall into three categories: (1) first steps (listening, building trust, recruiting members); (2) forming an organization (group structure, funding, challenge, leadership development, actions and campaigns); and (3) maintaining an active organization (evaluation and celebration). The three citizen movements studied in Part II of this paper are Mill Valley (affluent, predominantly white, 14,000 citizens); Marin City (predominantly African-American, 25,000 citizens); and Novato (suburban, 44,000 citizens). The experience of these groups has convinced the participants that effective citizen action for the prevention of alcohol and other drug problems is a viable and promising alternative, to conventional approaches.