Calling on Your Community

You and your family are not alone. You can call on your neighbors to join forces with you. Many parents have organized support or networking groups in their neighborhoods for talking about how to handle problems. Other parents organize alcohol- and drug-free neighborhood events and parties or set up safe community work programs for young teens, such as baby-sitting and lawn-mowing.

And many communities have started anti-drug parent peer groups and anti-drug coalitions that bring together different groups — such as schools, businesses, faith communities and youth groups — to help stop drug use and underage drinking in parks and malls where your kids may hang out. It’s amazing what you can do when you join together.

Your child’s school has people who can help — guidance counselors, teachers, coaches and other adults. Ask for help with your child. You also can call your child’s school to make sure they have effective drug-prevention programs and activities.

Many parents also find help in their faith communities, and many belong to other community groups. Consider being a volunteer with organizations in these communities as well. Kids need adults other than their parents in their lives, and community organizations often need extra help. A little time volunteering with a community program can help a kid make positive choices. To contact a coalition in your area, call 877-KIDS-313 or go to www.helpyourcommunity.org.

Table of Contents | Previous | Next