Coalition to Combat Alcohol Abuse

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk recently announced the creation of a true citizen coalition to reduce alcohol abuse in the county. The Center for Democracy in Action was an integral part of the team that researched options for the initiative.

Carol Lobes, Co-Director of the Center for Democracy in Action, penned an article for the January 2009 issue of Madison Magazine expounding on the issue. The full text of that article follows:

• A Sobering Big Idea

  "Hello, my name is Bucky and I have a drinking problem."

  The editorial cartoon shows the University of Wisconsin beloved mascot, Bucky Badger, standing with head hung and hat in hand. He's next to a flip chart that says: "First in: bars per capita; binge drinking; percent of drinking." The cartoon appeared in 1984, and not only have those national "firsts" for Wisconsin held true over time, they represent a terribly high price in pain, lost potential, and tax and insurance dollars.

  County Executive Kathleen Falk and other elected officials realize this all too well. They see the big picture; they see how much public money could be both saved and reinvested for the community. Costs for treatment, law enforcement and the county jail alone related to alcohol abuse are staggering. Some police grimly refer to the problem as "job security," less in jest than as an acknowledgment of widespread harm.

  That's why Falk launched an effort to take new, unprecedented action to make a difference in this deep-rooted and complex issue. The homework she assigned resulted in a multifaceted initiative that is working on a number of levels. One important piece is the creation of a true citizen coalition to reduce alcohol abuse in Dane County. The coalition was launched at a press conference in November and more than seventy citizens from various perspectives and backgrounds stepped forward to help. The ranks have been swelling ever since, and they now have a structure in which to make their voices heard and to channel that energy on this key issue.

  We know that culture is powerful, that it drives behavior. We also know that citizen power can define those cultural messages differently and change behavior. If we did it for tobacco use and recycling, why can't we do it for alcohol abuse? With that in mind Falk created a new model where county government provides the staff support for citizen self-determination and participants decide the priorities and define the action agenda - whether it is policy advocacy, broad messaging, public education or other targeted projects.

  There is positive momentum to make change in the mores and folkways that underpin alcohol abuse. It's a big problem with a new and hopeful approach. Bucky has work to do!

For further reading on the new coalition, see Samara Kalk Derby's recent piece in The Capital Times.