U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Community Strategies To Reduce Underage Drinking: Developing a Work Plan

NCJ Number
248501
Date Published
March 2011
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document provides guidance for communities in the development of a work plan for reducing underage drinking.
Abstract
The development of such a work plan is important for communities that seek funding under the Federal law entitled Enforce Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL). In addition, a well-developed work plan can provide measures for success in addressing alcohol use by underage children and youth. The most successful efforts at the community level result from careful planning that combines both the art of community organizing with the scientific knowledge of the underlying causes of underage drinking and the most effective strategies for countering it. Six features of a well-designed work plan are discussed in this document. First, ti defines the nature of the problem to be addressed based on an analysis of local conditions. Second, it matches scientifically supported strategies with the nature of the problem as manifested locally. Third, it specified measurable goals and objectives. Fourth, it assists in ensuring that the appropriate individuals and organizations participate in the effort. Fifth, it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each participat. Sixth, it provides a time-line for achieving goals and objectives. Steps in developing a work plan with these features are outlined. The steps include laying the groundwork and obtaining "buy-in;" selecting the planning team; defining the problem and establishing the goal; collecting data strategically; tracking progress; specifying action steps and who is responsible for implementing each one; and enlisting the media as an ally. Sample work plans are provided.