Put the Fun First

The focus of the Coalition is to inspire long-term cultural change in our community's drinking behavior. Phase III of "Put the Fun First" provides messages for adults about how they can model responsible choices. Postcard mailings, posters, flyers and other methods have helped to get the message out.

"I DO think that most social events have alcohol involved in them... at least around here. When you go to any social event and watch adults, what you see is a bunch of people standing around with a drink in their hand talking to each other. For example when the city has an event it makes sure to serve a lot of alcohol because they make a lot of money from it. The same thing with churches. I can't tell you why everyone expects alcohol at all of these events. I think it's just because they are used to it and never really think about not having it."

- Portage County Teen

Lyrics Used in Coalition's

Radio Ads throughout 2007

You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so become yourself

Because the past is just a good bye.

Teach your children well,

Their father's hell did slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picked, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you,

you would cry, So just look at them and sigh

and know they love you.

- Teach Your Children Well Lyrics,

Crosby Stills Nash & Young