Civic Groups
Local community substance misuse prevention coalitions use a data-informed planning process that is born out of a comprehensive community assessment of both community-level data and other available resources. Together, we can target the best use of new resources as they are unavailable to the community.
What is in it for civic groups?
Expand volunteer base – community coalitions rely heavily on volunteers who are civic-minded. As partners, we can expand the quality and quantity of the community volunteer pool through appropriate training and combined recruitment efforts.
Enhance community support for priority issues – together we can focus attention on key community needs and built support for potential solutions.
Develop external funding sources – as additional community needs are identified through the assessment process, we can develop new funding streams to augment local resources that will more comprehensively address community-wide problems and improve the quality of community life.
Affect systems change – through collaborative thinking and planning, we can streamline service delivery, promote creative problem solving and foster innovation to more proactively serve our community.
Civic groups are in a unique position to utilize their notoriety, expertise and collaborative mission to partner with local coalitions to create a safer, healthier community. We encourage you take advantage of this opportunity.
Why Should You Care?
Addressing substance misuse will:
- Fulfill mission
- Provide collaboration opportunities
- Enhance service delivery and infrastructure
Why You Need to Help
Addressing substance misuse will:
- Increase credibility among donors and public at large
- Reduce related community problems
- Enhance effective allocation of limited resources
Opportunities For Collaboration
Communication
- Offer established communication network
- Encourage data-driven planning – to identify best use of resources
- Disseminate local substance misuse data
Training and Education
- Conduct volunteer trainings
- Develop donor and recipient education
- Expand volunteer pool and training
Resources
- Offer nonprofit resource library/information referral
- Provide facilitators
- Provide local funding support for collaborative activities
- Assist in making sound funding decisions
- Leverage resources
- Map community needs and assets
Community Change
- Advocate community wellness
- Create a culture of giving
- Institutionalize systems change
- Tie prevention-funded programs to licensing certification