OUR BEGINNING: In February of 2007, over 40 Saline and Pittsfield Township The coalition
has been meeting on a monthly basis to examine the issues and lay the
groundwork that would mobilize a community response to address underage
drinking. The coalition's first collaborative effort with local law
enforcement and the Hotel/Motel Association of Washtenaw County, called
the "Safe Prom" initiative (recognized in the Ann Arbor News), truly
demonstrates the community's commitment and concern to work together to
reduce underage drinking. As the Saline coalition expands in community
resources, members are confident that efforts are sustainable and will
increase the needed technical capability and people power for a real
impact. In order to
effectively carry out the mission, the Saline Coalition to Reduce
Underage Drinking is organizing to train its members in both the
process of identifying the scope of the problem and the content to
reduce underage drinking with a strategic plan. Under
the fiduciary umbrella of the Saline Coalition for Quality Community,
the Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking has accepted the generous
support of a $5,000 donation from the Judy Ivan Healthy Communities
Endowment to further develop and create a sustainable grassroots
community coalition.
residents, including local law enforcement, community leaders, schools,
parents, and youth sought clarity on the underage drinking problem in
Saline and surrounding communities. From this meeting, SCRUD (Saline
Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking) formed to continue to
discuss and address underage drinking issues.