The five demonstration sites point to partnerships as a key to success. In Albany County, the Bethlehem Community Partnership began when over 40 community members joined together to address the problem of youth alcohol and drug use. The partnership continues to meet and work on projects that further the goals set out in the compact. Approximately 1,000 people are now involved in six community partnerships in Albany County, and their achievements are enhanced by excellent coverage in local newspapers. One information-gathering technique that is helpful in building public support for attacking the problem is a survey of teen alcohol use.
Local colleges can design and conduct surveys via phone or in schools.
If you decide to take on the role of convening a core group, there is simply no better way to gain the attention and, hopefully, the support of key members of the criminal justice system than meeting each one face to face. Police chiefs in the demonstration sites emphasized that sitting down with the chief prosecutor, chief judge, or local judges was critical to their success. Do not delegate these key initial meetings . The help that MADD or the media can offer in this situation has already been mentioned. However, there are some important allies in other agencies that can help even if youth DUI cases are not getting the proper attention and response from other elements of the criminal justice system.