This document is also available in Acrobat and Text formats. College campuses exist within larger communities, which can have a significant impact on students' drinking by affecting such factors as ease of access to alcohol. Even the most comprehensive campus-based AOD prevention strategy cannot succeed without community involvement. A coalition serves to bring together key stakeholders from the campus and the community to create an environment that supports AOD prevention efforts.
Coalitions typically represent a wide range of interests from diverse constituencies.
Members commit to working toward a common goal, have a shared mission, participate in making decisions about coalition activities, and help identify resources for these activities. Coalitions can enhance communication among key individuals, maximize the use of available resources, and create a base of social and political support for an agenda. Coalitions, however, may not be appropriate for all situations. Turf issues can hinder collective action, and although the larger number of individuals involved in planning may enhance creativity it may also slow decision making. Campus-community coalitions can have a significant impact on AOD prevention efforts.