Getting Started

Quick Start Guide: Planning Calendar

Although many Communities Talk events are held in the spring, they can be held at any time during the year. Below are seasonal observances and other key times for a community conversation on underage drinking prevention:

• January— National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
• February and March—Spring break for colleges and universities
• April— Alcohol Awareness Month, high school prom season, finals period for colleges and universities
• May— National Prevention Week, graduation season
• June and July—A popular time for alcohol use initiation
• August and September—Back to school, freshmen orientation at colleges and universities
• October— Child Health Day, Halloween, homecoming
• November— Thanksgiving
• December— National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Additionally, a Communities Talk event can be held to respond to a timely community policy need or tragedy around underage drinking.

Planning Checklist

Winter (January and February)

• Look for an e-mail invitation to participate, beginning in January, or request one from info@stopalcoholabuse.net.
• During a SAMHSA-supported stipend year, complete your online registration to apply to receive a $750 planning stipend. Have your organization’s Form W-9 (you must use the 2018 form) and Federal Tax Identification (ID) Number ready before you begin registering.
• Explore the Communities Talk website for more planning resources, inclduing reading many tips and resources.

Spring (March, April, and May)

• Communities Talk events can be held at any time of the year. Most organizers hold their events in the spring, when national alcohol and prevention observances increase public interest in underage drinking.

Summer (June, July, and August)

• Organizers who wish to receive a planning stipend must receive an invitation to register. If you did not receive one but would like to participate in the stipend cycle, request an invitation from info@stopalcoholabuse.net. Keep in mind that stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of SAMHSA-sponsored stipends are available.

Fall (September, October, and November)

• Many colleges and universities and their community partners hold their events in August, September, or October, when many families visit campuses and students start their freshman year and attend homecoming.