Bill Spitzer

P & I Coordinator Parenting Resource Center

Have you ever wondered if prevention works?

One way prevention works is by explaining the harms of substance use but sometimes this is often mistaken as the only option. In one of my past columns, you may remember hearing about Positive Community Norms (PCN) which addresses community norms.

Changing community norms about alcohol is another example of a prevention strategy. But how do you change norms? The best way to change norms is through the education of youth, parents, and other caring adults about the actual number of young people that are abusing the substance. Yet another prevention strategy can include a change in business practice such as checking IDs or community policies which limit youth access and exposure to substances.

Several of our businesses that serve alcohol were checked to make sure they were checking IDs and nearly everyone passed. That sends a very positive message to all in our community that businesses want to be a good partner in the alcohol prevention effort. Limiting access is a major step forward in reducing the reported 30-day use of alcohol by our students. We are certainly changing the norm by shifting the importance of checking identification.

I have experienced many changes over the years and being asked for my ID at my age is flattering. Truth is, they ask my wife more than they ask me. It took time to change this norm but now we come to expect to be asked if we look too young to purchase an alcoholic beverage. Changing behavior and norms are some of the hardest things to do but they are also some of the more effective forms of prevention. That is where the community comes in. Welcoming change is often difficult because we have done something for so long.

We continue to grow our community coalition to address how we can better use prevention in our favor. In fact, at our last coalition meeting we choose to incorporate the words “positive action” into our name. Prevention has many avenues and aligning them with each other will help us achieve our goals. Always remember that everyone has something to offer and our prevention coalition meets the last Wednesday of the month.
Bill Spitzer is the Planning and Implementation Coordinator for the Austin community. He will be working with our schools and community as part of a 5-year grant focusing on Positive Community Norms. Feel free to contact him at the Austin High School or via e-mail bill.spitzer@austin.k12.mn.us The grant is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, ADAD and hosted locally by the PRC. Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org and resources at the Parenting Resource Center(PRC) Specialty Library (105 First Street SE, Austin).