How does the 'Rethinking Drinking' community engagement program work?

1. Getting Organized
   Start by attending an orientation session to learn about alcohol use disorder and the treatment options available in your community. We’ll review the program details, including activities, budgeting, resources, and supports, while discussing your community's needs and how to administer the program.

2. Hosting Activities

   • Leaders Workshop & Community Conversation: Invite a diverse group of community leaders for an educational session on AUD, followed by a conversation on opportunities and barriers to support those with AUD.

   • Action Group & Activities: After the workshop, form an action group to choose and plan three community activities from a list or create your own to raise awareness about AUD.

3. Host Community Events
   Use guides and supports to host at least three AUD awareness activities, tailored to your community.

4. Wrap-Up & Reporting
   Document your activities, gather feedback from attendees, and share stories and photos. Finally, share your experiences with a new community starting the program and complete the funding documentation and program plan for final reporting.

Organization Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the program, your organization must:

• Be a registered charity, non-profit, or social enterprise.

• Work in the community, ideally with experience assisting those impacted by alcohol use disorder, either directly or indirectly.

• Demonstrate collaboration and the ability to bring together community leaders and service providers.

Grant Information
Eligible organizations may receive:

• $15,000 total to deliver the program.

• Grant can be used towards existing programs, however, applicants must show how the grant will deepen and strengthen the existing work with new initiatives.

Timeframe
The program should be completed within one calendar year and includes the following key events:

• Orientation Session

• Leaders Workshop and Community Conversation

• Three additional activities of your choice.

This program brings communities together to challenge alcohol-related norms and promote healthier choices through creative and engaging events. Here are a few examples of how the program has worked in different areas:

• Princeton: A community-wide mocktail competition in the town square, where locals vote on their favorite non-alcoholic drinks, with winning recipes adapted by local businesses.

• Penticton: The screening of an AUD documentary at a local theatre, followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with local health experts to spark conversation and awareness.

• Oliver: Providing water and non-alcoholic options at a wine festival, helping attendees explore alternatives in a social setting.

• Campbell River: A play written by two friends with lived experience, showcasing the challenges and victories of recovery, offering a powerful way to connect with the community on a personal level.

These events all helped raise awareness, encouraged access to care, and fostered a culture where healthier drinking habits and recovery are supported and celebrated.

In a society where alcohol is embedded in everyday life, social norms and values shape how we perceive and interact with alcohol. These shared expectations impact not only individual decisions but also influence the cultural environment, making alcohol-related harms a broader community issue.

Rooted in the understanding that health is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors, this project aims to spread knowledge, encourage access to care, and create healthier attitudes toward drinking through informative events and engaging conversations around alcohol use.