FOUNDATION FOR ALCOHOL RESPONSIBILITY
...Creating a Society in Which Alcohol Is Consumed Responsibly
››Foundation for Alcohol Responsibility
Foundation for Alcohol Responsibility (FAR) was created upon the belief that responsible drinking plays an important and positive role in our society and that it is only the misuse of alcohol that causes problems. It does indeed take a village to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and other alcohol-related incidents. When community members are effectively taught to prevent the irresponsible use of alcohol or to intervene when alcohol is used irresponsibly, alcohol-related deaths and injuries can be prevented. FAR is dedicated to that mission.
FAR is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides funding for initiatives to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and other alcohol-related problems as well as promotes the responsible use of alcohol. These initiatives include efforts in training, higher education, enforcement, awareness, and the development of community coalitions.
›› Inaugural Project -- Harrisonburg, Virginia
FAR's first community-based project is under way in Harrisonburg, VA. There, the foundation is sponsoring a multi-phased initiative that will launch on February 21, 2007.
The project will reach community members and provide key stakeholders with alcohol education while arming them with the tools to both consume and serve alcohol responsibly and to intervene in instances of intoxication.
The first phase of the project is aimed at restaurants and bars and will provide them with training and tools to help reduce instances of underage drinkers as well as reduce the number of intoxicated patrons and patrons who drive under the influence. Popular off-premise outlets will be trained also. A mystery-shopper service will be utilized to re-inforce ID checking behaviors and to publicly recognize the establishments that are compliant.
Shortly after the first phase launches, key campus leaders including Greeks, resident advisors, and athletes will receive training. Awareness within the community on responsible alcohol consumption practices will be expanded through advertising in print, on radio and television, and on posters displayed throughout the community.
Phase two of the project is more long term and will include social norms marketing, expanding the training component to reach every freshman college student, and development of the systematic structure to replicate the program year after year. The goal is to use Harrisonburg as a template for other community-based alcohol responsibility initiatives throughout the country.
