About the Municipal Alliance
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 alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- 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 of "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, there is 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 and consists of volunteers appointed by the Mayors.