Focus groups are a vital tool in both the evaluation and pre-implementation planning stages of the Substance-Free Alternative Events (ACE) strategy. These structured group discussions provide invaluable qualitative data that can inform the design, implementation, and ongoing improvement of ACE programs. By gathering diverse perspectives from community stakeholders, focus groups offer insights into local needs, preferences, and potential challenges that may not be captured through quantitative methods alone.

In the pre-implementation phase, focus groups can help tailor the ACE strategy to the specific context of your community. They allow program planners to understand existing perceptions of substance-free activities, identify potential barriers to participation, and gather ideas for events that will resonate with the priority population. This information is crucial for developing a locally relevant and engaging ACE program from the outset. For ongoing evaluation, focus groups provide a deeper understanding of the program’s impact on participants and the broader community. They allow for exploration of how and why certain outcomes are achieved, offering context and explanations for trends observed in quantitative data. This rich, narrative information can highlight unexpected benefits, reveal areas for improvement, and capture the nuanced ways in which ACE influences individual behaviors and community norms.

The following section outlines sample questions for focus groups designed to assess short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of the ACE strategy. These questions are organized to align with the ACE logic model and can be adapted based on your program’s specific goals and timeline.

Short-term Outcomes Focus Group Questions   (KASB)

Increased knowledge about substance-free alternatives:

• How has your understanding of the benefits of substance-free activities changed since participating in ACE events?

Improved attitudes towards substance-free activities:

• How would you describe your attitude towards substance-free activities before and after participating in ACE events?
• What aspects of ACE activities have you found most enjoyable or rewarding?

Enhanced social skills and pro-social behaviors:

• In what ways have ACE events helped you develop new social skills?
• Can you share an example of how you’ve applied these skills outside of ACE events?

Increased sense of community belonging:

• What aspects of ACE events make you feel most welcome and included?
• How has participating in ACE events affected your feeling of connection to the community?

Intermediate Outcomes Focus Group Questions (RPF)

Reduced intention to use substances (For substance-free focused events):

• How has your perspective on substance misuse changed since becoming involved with ACE?
  • o In what ways do ACE activities influence your decisions about substance use?
• Has your perception of substances and substance use overall been impacted due to your involvement in ACE activities?

Sustained engagement in pro-social activities:

• How has your long-term involvement with ACE influenced your lifestyle choices?
• What pro-social activities or habits have you maintained as a result of your ACE participation?
• What will motivate you to continue participating in ACE events?
• How has your involvement in ACE influenced your participation in other ACE events?
• How do you think community events like those organized by ACE contribute to creating a healthier social environment compared to other types of local gatherings?

Improved peer resistance skills:

• Do you feel more confident in your ability to choose substance-free activities when with peers?

Enhanced community engagement and support for ACE:

• In what ways have you seen the community’s support for ACE grow or change over time?

Long-term Outcomes Focus Group Questions (Prevalence and Norms)

Reduced substance use rates in the community:

• From your perspective, has substance use in our community changed since the introduction of ACE?
  • o What factors do you think have contributed most to any changes in substance misuse that you’ve observed within the community since the introduction of ACE?

Improved overall community health and cultural values and well-being:

• What changes have you noticed in the community’s attitudes towards health and well-being since ACE began?
• Have you seen or experienced a cultural shift towards valuing community well-being/Substance-free activities in our community?
  • o How do, or how not?

General Concluding Questions (Optional)

• What do you think has been the most significant impact of the ACE events on you personally and on the community as a whole?
• Are there any areas where you think ACE could improve or expand its impact?
• How do you envision the future of our community if ACE continues to grow and evolve?

Please note: The facilitator should be prepared to ask follow-up questions and encourage participants to provide specific examples and personal experiences to support their responses.

Guidelines for Recruiting Focus Group Participants

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the ACE strategy’s impact and potential, it’s important to recruit focus group participants from various stakeholder groups within your community. Here are guidelines for recruiting participants from key stakeholder groups:

• Youth Participants: Recruit through schools, youth organizations, and community centers. Aim for diversity in age, gender, and level of involvement in ACE activities. Include both regular participants and those who have attended only a few events
• Parents/Guardians: Reach out through school parent associations, community groups, and ACE event attendee lists. Include parents of both active ACE participants and non-participants
• Community Leaders: Invite representatives from local government, school administration, and community organizations. Include individuals involved in youth development and substance abuse prevention efforts
• ACE Program Staff and Volunteers: Include a mix of roles, such as event planners, activity leaders, and outreach coordinators. Invite both long-term staff and newer team members
• Local Business Owners and Sponsors: Recruit through chamber of commerce and local business associations. Include both current ACE sponsors and potential future partners
• Health, ACE and Social Service Providers: Reach out to local clinics, counseling centers, and social service agencies. Include professionals who work directly with youth and families
• Law Enforcement Representatives: Invite officers involved in community outreach and youth programs
• Religious and Cultural Leaders: Reach out to diverse faith communities and cultural organizations in your area

When forming focus groups, establish a target of including 6-10 participants per group. Consider holding separate sessions for different stakeholder groups to ensure all perspectives are heard. Additionally, strive for diversity within each group in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, and level of involvement with ACE. By gathering input from this wide range of stakeholders, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how ACE is perceived and experienced across your community, informing both initial implementation and ongoing improvement of the strategy.