Volunteers of America Alaska, Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) Program of is funded through a grant from Drug-Free Communities, a division of The Office of National Drug Control Policy and The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and local community supporters.
CMCA is a SAMHSA services best practice model that has proven effective in over 15 communities around the U.S to reduce underage drinking and substance use. The program incorporates a number of goals, including: Data collection and assessment, Developing a core leadership group with key community stakeholders, Develop a plan of action, Building mass base of support with community volunteers (adults and youth), Implementing an action plan, Maintaining the organization and institutionalizing change, Evaluating changes and Distribution of results to the community.
CMCA is a community organizing effort designed to increase the communities’ awareness of understanding the harmful effects alcohol and drugs have on youth development, the available access youth have to alcohol and drugs and to create more meaningful adult and community involvement with youth.
CMCA believes that prevention will only be effective if all members of the community work together (i.e. service providers, law enforcement, school, business, youth and parents), and community members have input into the goals and objectives for their community.
CMCA recognizes that change takes time (could take 10 years before the community sees long term effects of the program) and we ensure that the short term goals align with the 10 year plan. We ensure that the goals set by the coalition are measurable and sustainable.
We recognize that adults are role models for youth and successful prevention among youth will involve change within families as well as change within the community. We recognize that by training youth to become future leaders, CMCA ensures that our efforts will be sustainable.
For additional information, please contact:
Charlie Daniels
Director of Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol
1675 C Street, Ste. 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Tel: (907) 279-9602
Fax: (907) 276-5489