By Bill Spitzer

P & I Coordinator Parenting Resource Center

The elections are behind us but I’m not sure we will forget them anytime soon! Now we are hearing a lot about coalition building. So, what exactly is a coalition?

Well according to Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary, the simple definition of a coalition is: a group of people, groups, or countries who have joined together for a common purpose. Sounds simple enough but the key is to get them to agree on the common purpose.

In Austin, a new coalition is developing around substance abuse prevention. The group is made up of individuals from the school, law enforcement, faith community, human services, community health, civic organizations and parents. Substance abuse prevention is anything but new but the way we approach it varies greatly. This new coalition will look at new innovative ways to approach the issue. Who will create these innovative new ideas? You will! The solution to every problem exists right here in Austin. It is the mission of the coalition to uncover them and rediscover them.

This past week Wake-Up AUSTIN! had a panel of experts talking about some of the substance abuse issues facing our community. Numerous times the experts recommended people need to get involved and educated. There is plenty of data that supports a vibrant community is one that is full of determined people willing to get involved. No one person can accomplish this daunting task of substance abuse prevention alone but collectively through education and changing the norms, immeasurable strides are possible.

How do we get started? Who else needs to be at the table? Those are the current questions facing the group and we are actively filling the gaps. Creating a mission and a vision of hope for the young people of Austin as they face this significant social issue. The coalition currently meets monthly on the last Wednesday and all are welcome to join. Together we will build a stronger Austin through healthy lifestyle choices.

In my last article, we talked about the positive and how creating positive community norms will help guide these healthy choices. Our coalition will be the conduit for these positive messages as we change perceptions related to substance abuse. A coalition is only as strong as its membership, should you be at the table? Consider this your invitation to help shape a healthy and resilient community.

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).