Page 25 - Focus on Prevention: Strategies and Programs to Prevent Substance Use

Starting Points

The following steps can help you make the most of your efforts to find and recruit new partners.

Set Your Sights
A partner in substance use prevention can be any group or individual whose missions, values, goals, or resources are
in line with your prevention strategy. Possible partners may not have a direct or close involvement in substance use
issues; however, values and agendas in areas such as better schools, good government, public safety, social justice, and
economic development make them potential allies nonetheless.

Get Started
Partnering is an ongoing process. It’s never too soon to expand your initial circle of partners. You’re more likely to sustain
your prevention strategy if you reach out to possible supporters to get buy-in before you need new funding.

Make Contact
Begin by introducing yourself and your prevention strategy—send an email, mail a brochure, send a news clipping, or
invite key people to a special event. To create a relationship, begin sharing information—materials, “lessons learned,” and
evaluation results—while stopping short of asking for support. To tighten the connection, you can also formally recognize
the person or organization at an awards event, or ask him/her to serve as a keynote speaker or honorary chairperson.

Become Known
Go where the action is: attend receptions, forums, conferences, and committee meetings that relate to your substance
use prevention goals. These events provide chances to network and share information about your prevention strategy.

Be Heard
Some contacts may be brief. Develop a script containing a few major points; if several people are communicating about
your initiative, it is vital that everyone uses the same message and statistics.

Gain Agreement
All partners need to understand and agree on their roles. Put agreements in writing. They can be formal—for example,
contracts or letters of understanding—or informal, such as follow-up letters or minutes of committee meetings that are
reviewed and approved by partners.

Join Forces

As you begin recruiting partners, you may discover that some local agencies and organizations are involved in similar
prevention efforts. Because such groups have a head start in developing contacts and influence in the community, it
may be natural for them to have a leading role in your prevention strategy. Examples include heading a committee,
being responsible for certain tasks, or serving as a cosponsor.

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