• Overview
• Mission Statement
• Working Groups
• Meeting Schedule and Minutes
• Resource and Reference Materials
• History of Coalition Efforts

Overview

The University of Wisconsin System administration recognizes the importance of alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) issues. The objectives of Goal 1 of the UW System AODA Strategic Plan:

• The Office of the Chancellor assumes leadership of a campus AODA coalition that includes representation from all campus governance groups and constituencies.
• The AODA coalition solicits city and county involvement.
• The AODA coalition promotes the visibility of AODA issues and initiatives.

The AODA Coordinator on each campus is responsible for assisting the Chancellor in organizing and maintaining the campus-community coalition.

To meet the objectives mandated by the UW System administration, the Bridge Coalition was formed in November 2005. Previous efforts are acknowledged as contributing to the development of the Center for Alcohol Studies and Education, which now provides ongoing administrative support for the coalition.

Mission Statement

PURPOSE:

Partnership between the UW-Eau Claire campus and Eau Claire community to address and reduce underage and high risk drinking behaviors through education, enforcement and environmental changes.

STRATEGIES:

• Create a campus culture that encourages responsible alcohol use through policies, programs and education; create and enforce a consistent message of responsible drinking throughout the community.
• Raise awareness about the negative personal, academic and social consequences that result from drinking excessively; provide moderation skills training.
• Challenge the cultural acceptance of high-risk practices and reduce incidence of alcohol poisoning.
• Evaluate and educate people about existing prevention programs on campus and in the community.
• Enhance the effectiveness of policies, sanctions and consequences (on and off campus).
• Generate a sense of mutual respect and community within campus area neighborhoods.
• Be proactive in addressing environmental concerns that pose risks/hazards (i.e., river/bridge).
• Recognize positive aspects of various stake holders and their ability to assertively influence alcohol misuse and abuse.
• Strengthen campus and community resources to provide treatment interventions.
• Provide opportunities to share information and resources.

VALUES:

• Commitment to finding solutions, taking action and making positive changes.
• Cooperation and collaboration using a variety of approaches including risk/harm reduction.
• Personal responsibility and lawful behavior.
• Mutual respect for persons and property; sense of community.
• Empathy and caring for one another; understanding and acceptance of the differing needs and concerns of diverse stakeholders.
• Healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
• Input and involvement of students.
• Focus on positive attributes and contributions of all stakeholders.

Working Groups

Working groups based on the Marin Institute Roadmap for Environmental Change are in the process of being formed.

Meeting schedule and minutes

Next Scheduled Meeting:

Resource and reference materials

• UW System AODA Strategic Plan
• “Community How To Guide on Coalition Building"
• Example of an effective coalition: NU Directions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

History of coalition efforts at UW-Eau Claire

The Bridge Coalition was preceded by previous efforts spearheaded by Chancellor Donald Mash and others, and demonstrates the university’s long-standing commitment to reduce high-risk drinking among its students. This archival material is still in development.

• Alcohol Education Advisory Committee 1996-1998
• Alcohol Task Force 1999-2000
• Alcohol Education Committee 2003-2005