Calls to Action
January
Organize local activities to address National Children
of Alcoholics Week, held annually in conjunction with Valentine's Day. Develop a press release to announce the ways you are
working to prevent underage drinking in the community. For ideas, contact the National Association for Children of Alcoholics
at 1-888-554-2627.
Calls to Action
February
Form a Youth Advisory Task Force to determine the number
of positive, alcohol-free social activities for young people in your community. Partner with local businesses (including
fast food restaurants, book, video and music stores, movie theaters, skating rinks, bowling alleys and miniature golf courses)
for alcohol-free youth events and promotions. Help youth plan, organize, and secure sponsorship for these activities.
Calls to Action
March
Write a letter for a local parenting magazine, Teacher
Association newsletter, or faith community bulletin encouraging adults in their community to watch TV, attend concerts,
and go to the movies with young people. Encourage them to use these experiences to share their feelings about how drinking
is portrayed and talk with their youth about the real consequences of alcohol use.
Calls to Action
April
Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol-Free
Weekend, takes place on the first weekend of April. Your church may devote an issue of their bulletin or newsletter to
underage drinking and allow use of the facilities for alternative youth activities, mentoring programs, parent training,
stress management seminars, healthy lifestyles workshops, and substance abuse prevention education sessions.
Calls to Action
May
Organize an outreach effort to enlist parents'support
of alcohol-free proms and graduation parties. Encourage parents to hold informal discussions with their children about the
physical effects of alcohol and why alcohol is illegal for those under 21. May 3rd is SAMHSA's National Children's Mental
Health Awareness Day www.samhsa.gov/children.
May 5th is National Day of Prayer
Alcohol and Other Drug Related Birth Defects Awareness
Week (May 8-14). World No Tobacco Day
is held every year on May 31st.
Calls to Action
June
Speak out about your concerns about the
effects of alcohol. Talk to someone at church about giving a sermon on the harm of underage alcohol use,
the power of parents' influence in preventing substance abuse, the impact of untreated family alcoholism on children, and
the spiritual alternatives of providing safe activities for young people.
Calls to Action
July
Girl Power! is a national education campaign sponsored
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help encourage and empower girls to abstain from alcohol, tobacco,
and illicit drugs and to be physically active through positive activities. Coordinate a Girl Power! day in your community.
Invite adult female role models to talk with the girls about the importance of making healthy life decisions. Hold
workshops on topics such as substance abuse, nutrition, physical activity, positive relationships, and goal setting.
Calls to Action
August
Boy Power! day in your community. Invite adult male
role models to talk with the boys about the harmful effects of alcohol on underage youth. Encourage coaches and others
working with boys to talk to them on a regular basis about substance abuse.
Calls to Action
September
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery
Month
Contact the church where you belong to see
if you can hold a prayer vigil for youths and their families in your community who have been harmed by underage
drinking. Religious groups can have an "Amnesty Day/Week" at their houses of praise for youth who need help
but are too embarrassed to ask for it. Referrals can be provided confidentially and without fear of reprisal.
Calls to Action
October
Find the people in your community who are involved
with National Red Ribbon Week 23-31 or call the National Family Partnership at 1-800-705-8997 or visit the Website
at www.nfp.org. Make plans to motivate adults and youth
to reduce substance abuse.
Calls to Action
November
Thanksgiving-New Year's Day
Tie One On For Safety Campaign
Contact: MADD at 1-800-623-3435.
Calls to Action
December
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention
Month. Encourage local reporters to interview teenagers who have been in impaired driving crashes, either as drivers
or victims, and write a story about how it changed their life. 
