Partnerships among businesses, community groups, government agencies, non-profits and associations are critical to the success of anti-drug efforts in any community. This page is designed for community coalitions to acquaint themselves with the Parents@Work program and provide suggestions for how coalitions can offer the program to local employers as a way to become involved in youth drug prevention.

Community coalitions can benefit from being part of the Parents@Work program. Offering companies a free program that will help employees is a great way to build relationships in the business community. By introducing companies to the Parents@Work program and helping them support their working parents, coalitions can identify other opportunities to engage local businesses in their activities. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is highly recognized and by aligning yourself to it, you will help local employers understand your mission. It’s easy to get involved and best of all - it’s free!

Here are some easy ways for community coalitions to get started with the Parents@Work program.

• Familiarize yourself with the Parents@Work program. Explore this Web site and acquaint yourself with the available resources.
• Get to know the different types of businesses in your community and approach companies that you think would be a good fit for the Parents@Work program.
• Send an email or letter to introduce yourself and arrange a meeting with human resources or EAP representatives within a company. The Media Campaign has found that HR and EAP professionals are very receptive to the Parents@Work program and understand its value.
• Review these talking points to help you prepare for your meeting. You can also use this Parents@Work PowerPoint Presentation as a way to introduce employers to the Parents@Work program.

Collaborations between community organizations and businesses can be a very effective way to help keep America’s youth drug-free. And as a community coalition, you can work closely with local businesses in spreading anti-drug messages and encouraging good parenting skills. Locally, you can offer solutions, in addition to great information and resources, about the problems associated with youth substance abuse.

The Parents@Work program is the perfect way for your group to help make a difference. Have more questions? Contact the Parents@Work program.