Social Marketing Campaign

Being alone can be nice when you need a break. but "alone" in your convictions can feel awful. That is the basis of a new campaign. This Is a project of the Alton Youth Development Strategy Partnership (AYDSP) who received a 5-year Drug-Free Communities grant from SAMHSA.

Members in the AYDSP are from the Alton School District. Alton Weed and Seed Strategy, the YWCA of Alton, Chestnut Health Systems, the Alton Police Department, and several of the area churches. The campaign goal is to reduce underage drinking by limiting teenagers' access to alcohol. Underage drinking is a leading contributor to adolescent death. It is also associated with so many of the problems that reduce a youth's potential for future success.

In May, an Alton Town Hall meeting against underage drinking was attended by 317 people. Sixteen different posters in two sizes were introduced with the message "YOU ARE NOT ALONE: 4 out of 5 adults believe that it is NOT OKAY for teenagers to drink alcohol." later, billboards carrying the same message will be posted to join the campaign. In November, the related campaign message "YOU ARE NOT ALONE: 3 out of 4 adults believe that stopping underage drinking is their responsibility" will release.

Teens' parents and teen friends' parents are a serious source (whether they know it or not) for alcohol consumed by underage drinkers. This campaign can influence these adults' choices by adjusting what they see as normal. Adjusting peoples' perceived norms modifies their attitudes. Attitude drives behavior.

This page contains examples of some of the posters used in this campaign. This media campaign is a truly great way for all of us to work together to help make Alton and Godfrey better and safer places for all of our youth to grow!