Thursday, August 26, 2010

Coalition Members Attend Conference


Four Coalition members were given the opportunity to attend the 12th Annual National EUDL Leadership Conference “Building Community Futures with Blueprints for Success”.

Van Buren County Deputy Sheriff; Jon Tharp, Reserve officer; Lee McIntosh, Coalition Coordinator; Heidi Bainbridge, and STOP Grant Coordinator; Tonja Jirak all traveled to Anaheim, California to learn about strategies that can be implemented locally to address underage drinking. Over the past 12 years, the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) program has successfully built partnerships with law enforcement, community organizations, and government officials to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce youth access to alcohol. To establish and maintain a grasp on the problems and consequences of underage drinking, a blueprint must be developed to integrate three key elements: environmental strategies and laws, enforcement, and public support.

Coalition members took part in workshops and plenary sessions to gain valuable new information related to underage drinking. The conference gave the coalition and law enforcement officers an opportunity to work together to determine areas in Van Buren county where this issue can be addressed. The coalition members will now share what was learned with the larger group and facilitate discussions about new ideas and ways to address this issue locally.

Be watching for new coalition initiatives based on the information learned at this conference. For more information on the conference or getting involved with the coalition please contact the coalition office at 319-293-6412 or via email at info@vbsafecoalition.com.

Friday, August 13, 2010

We have been busy!

The SAFE Coalition has been busy over the past couple of months. Some of the things that have taken place and are upcoming include:
* JEL Booth at the 4th of July Kids Games- July 4th
* CADCA Midyear Training and Youth Leadership Training- July 26-29th
* Kids Fair- August 5th
* Iowa Underage Drinking Town Hall Culmination Meeting- August 9th
* AC4C Retreat- August 10-11th
* School Registration- August 11, 12, 13th
UPCOMING
* EUDL Underage Drinking Conference- August 17-21st
* Back to School Bash- Van Buren- August 23rd- 12-6pm
* Staff Appreciation Event- August 23rd 4:30-6pm
* JEL Walk 4 Breath Event- August 28th 7am-noon
* Volunteer Training- September 9th 6-9 pm

If you are interested in being involved in any of the above activities please contact the coalition for more information! Get involved today!
319-293-6412