The Municipal Alliances

Municipal Alliances established as early as 1989 are voluntary organizations organized to distribute funds for initiatives that provide programs for educating risk populations regarding Substance Abuse Prevention. The funds come from a grant awarded annually through Bergen County from the State Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. These funds are generated by mandated court-collected fines relating to drug cases.

The Alliance targets all ages of people thought to be "at risk" with potential drug abuse problems working through schools, senior citizens' centers and organizations, churches, and police departments. Risk Assessments are based upon such factors as:

Economic Deprivation, Availability of ATOD
Low Neighborhood Attachment/Community Disorganization
Community Norms/Laws Favorable to ATOD, Academic Failure
Lack of Clear School Policy, School Transitions
Little Commitment to Schools, Family Management Problems
Family History of ATOD, Health Problems
Physical/Mental Disabilities, Early First Use
Favorable Attitude Towards ATOD, Isolation/Loss
Greater Influence/Reliance on Peers over Parents
Anti-Social Behavior in Late Childhood/Early Adolescence
Involvement with the Criminal Justice System

Starting with local schools Alliance can fund programs that help young students learn about the problems associated with potential drug (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and a myriad of other drugs) use and learn how to cope with peer pressure and say "no" to their uses. There are programs available that help such students gain pride in themselves and their communities and in doing so, avoid the stigma "not belonging", or seeking drug sources to overcome those feelings. There are programs to provide alternatives to special occasion partying where drugs and alcohol may find willing users, programs to help the transition from the local schools to the high schools and intergenerational programs to bring the young and the old together. This includes older members of the communities who face isolation and depression because of sickness, lost spouses, children and friends.

Such programs include: Safety Town, Safe Homes, Transitions, Red Ribbon Week, D.A.R.E., 8th grade Dance, Project Graduation, T.N.T., parenting workshops, peer leadership programs and cautionary presentations reminding Senior Citizens regarding mixing prescriptions, drugs and alcohol. The Alliances are also involved in seeking the passage of ordinances that reduce such risks.


Each Alliance receives an annual budget that must be supported by a municipal amount called "cash match" of at least 25%. In addition an "in kind" amount of 75% for services that are provided by volunteers, teachers, policemen, parents, students and other resources (i.e. use of borough and school buildings, computers, duplication equipment, etc) to support the initiatives that are undertaken. Each Alliance must meet at least quarterly consists of volunteers appointed by the Mayors.

All Alliance meetings are open to the public and we continue to seek additional interested members.


2002 Membership Roster