What is the coalition doing to make a difference

Below are some of the activities the coalition uses to reach youth, parents and the community

Youth Empowerment Teams: Students Taking Action in Rochester (S.T.A.R. Team) and Rochester Middle School Youth to Youth (RMS Y2Y Team) are groups of youth who come together to educate their peers and the community about the dangers and realities of underage alcohol and drug use.

Parent Education: The coalition creates hands-on resources for parents and caregivers to help them talk with their kids about not using alcohol or drugs and how to overcome peer pressure.

Safe Homes Campaign: Families around Rochester sign a pledge to not provide or allow underage drinking or drug use in their home. Contact the coalition if you want to sign the pledge.

Substance Free Events: National Night Out, an evening of family fun and drug and crime prevention awareness, is held each August in downtown Rochester. The coalition has also partnered with the Rochester Recreation Department and Police Department to sponsor Teen Nights at the community center.

Local Merchants: BTG works with local merchants to ensure businesses are following state laws around the sale of alcohol and tobacco products to youth.