Virtual Communities Talk Activities; SAMHSA Prevention Resources
02/12/2021
Discover Innovative Ideas for Virtual Communities Talk Activities
The Find an Activity Map has details about innovative ways communities and institutions of higher education used their planning stipends to mobilize their community and prevent underage drinking. The map will even show you some of the creative prevention activities happening near you!
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, communities were finding innovative ways to share prevention messages! Here are some creative ideas you can incorporate into your 2021 Communities Talk plans.
Tuning into Prevention Through a Weekly Radio Show
Reno County Communities That Care in Hutchinson, Kansas, along with their partner, the Rise Up Reno Prevention Network, produced five radio shows that featured a prevention professional and other experts where they discussed topics related to substance misuse and underage drinking. The shows were broadcast Saturday mornings throughout November and December 2019.
Podcasting About Prevention to Reach a Digital Audience
Janesville Mobilizing 4 Change (JM4C) is a substance misuse prevention coalition located in Janesville, Wisconsin. To address the issue of low in-person attendance at events, JM4C began hosting JM4C's “Together 4 Change” podcast focusing on emerging drug trends and underage drinking and substance misuse in youth, encouraging parents to talk with their teenagers. Using their Communities Talk planning stipend, JM4C produced a podcast called “Underage Drinking in Our Community,” and they continued creating new podcasts through 2020.
Down to the Wire! Youth Drinking Buzzer Beater Game Highlights Consequences of Alcohol Use
In Sidney, Montana, the District II Alcohol & Drug Program hosted a Facebook live event featuring a game with rapid fire questions for community leaders, including a youth probation judge, a doctor, a nurse, and high school principals. Questions were related to each experts’ specialty and focused on the legal ramifications of using drugs and alcohol and the impact this use can have on health and future plans of young people (such as college and employment).
SAMHSA Prevention Resources at Your Fingertips
When planning your Communities Talk activity, remember that SAMHSA has prevention and planning resources for you to use.
Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts
This brochure dispels common myths about underage alcohol use and helps 9- to 15-year-olds understand the dangers associated with using alcohol. The fact sheet can also help parents and prevention professionals start conversations about underage drinking and alcohol misuse.
The Sound of Your Voice
This short, animated video encourages parents to talk with their college-bound young adults about the potential consequences of underage alcohol use. It can be used during a Communities Talk activity with parents and other adults who care for young adults, as well as with high school or college administrators.
Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol (Tambien en español, Hablando con los jóvenes en camino a la unversidad sobre el alcohol)
This brochure emphasizes the continuing influence parents have over alcohol use decisions by their older children. This short guide offers tips on when and how to have the conversation. Although intended as a companion guide to The Sound of Your Voice video, it can be used separately during your Communities Talk event or activity.
Talk. They Hear You.
SAMHSA’s substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. On the “Talk. They Hear You.” site are resources for you to use during your Communities Talk activity, including materials for parents and schools. Resources include a PSA and a mobile app for parents.
Tips for Teens
SAMHSA’s Tips for Teens series contains short, easy-to-read brochures on a variety of topics for teens related to substance misuse. The brochures provide teens with information about several substances and encourage them to make healthy decisions.