Engaging neighborhood associations in advocacy efforts to prevent underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems

Project Extra Mile is a statewide network of coalitions in Nebraska working to create a community consensus that clearly states that underage alcohol use is illegal, unhealthy and unacceptable. In 2007, the organization began collaborating with a group of over a dozen Omaha metro neighborhood associations to provide technical assistance in their efforts to address alcohol outlet density through the liquor licensing process. Within months, the neighborhood group formally organized as the Alcohol Impact Coalition and meets monthly to address problem liquor licenses that negatively impact the quality of life in their community. The coalition has learned both the fundamentals and roadblocks to citizen involvement in that process. With persistence, the Alcohol Impact Coalition has made extraordinary strides in its first years of organizing, including a proposed bill in the Nebraska Legislature to allow the Liquor Control Commission to deny a license based solely on concerns brought forward by citizens. Project Extra Mile assisted the coalition in creating a toolkit for neighborhood associations throughout the city of Omaha and is working to engage even more associations in local efforts. Resources included in the toolkit will help guide ordinary citizens through what is often a complicated and challenging process of protesting a liquor license at both the local and state level in Nebraska. The coalition also secured a grant and will continue to partner with Project Extra Mile and researchers at local universities to identify strategies to close the gaps in city ordinances and state laws related to alcohol control policies.