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APPENDIX M: ACE Implementation Case Example

Anytown Coalition’s ACE Implementation for Youth Substance Use Prevention and Mental Health Promotion

 

Community Context

Anytown, Indiana, is a rural Midwest community with a population of approximately 15,000. Like many similar towns, Anytown faced challenges including a struggling economy due to the decline of manufacturing, an aging population, and youth out-migration. These issues were compounded by rising youth substance use, particularly alcohol, and increasing mental health concerns.

 

The Anytown Coalition, a group of local citizens, organizations, and stakeholders, was formed to address these challenges by preventing youth substance use and promoting mental health. They chose to implement the Alternative Community Events (ACE) Framework, specifically using the Substance-Free Alternative Events (SFAE) model. Over the course of a year, the Coalition launched a series of structured, substance-free events to engage youth, promote wellness, and strengthen community connections.

 

Planning and Development

The Coalition conducted a thorough community assessment to identify needs and gaps in services. They found that youth alcohol use rates in Anytown (33%) were higher than the state average (28%). Additionally, the community lacked consistent substance-free activities to engage youth. Based on these findings, the Coalition prioritized the ACE Framework to address both substance use prevention and mental health promotion, focusing on the development of protective factors through positive, engaging alternatives.

 

Year-Long Event Calendar:

Based on the guidance in the ACE Implementation Manual, the coalition completed training on ACE implementation to ensure a comprehensive approach grounded in best practices for messaging, design, and amplification, and used the companion worksheets in the manual to assist with action planning.  As part of the process, and with youth and adult stakeholder engagement (including focus groups), designed a year-long calendar (included in the Appendix at end) of events that provided continuous, appealing, and substance-free activities for youth which included:

– Quarterly Large Events: These included the Substance-Free Summer Kickoff Carnival, Winter Wellness Festival, and Back-to-School Sports Tournament.

– Monthly Medium Events: Events such as youth movie nights, trivia contests, and substance-free holiday gatherings.

– Weekly Engagement Activities: Youth participated in Art Exploration Activity Groups (to focus prevention efforts on integrating more enhancement of youth Developmental Assets, a priority of the coalition), leadership workshops, and mindfulness sessions.

 

Community Partnerships and Fundraising:

The success of the initiative depended heavily on partnerships with local organizations and businesses. The local gym and recreation center donated space for sports events, while the community theater provided free venue use for movie nights. The Anytown Farmers’ Market hosted wellness days and donated 10% of their proceeds to support ACE events. The Rotary Club organized an annual dinner fundraiser, raising $5,000, and other businesses contributed in-kind donations such as food and event supplies.

 

Implementation

The first ACE event, the Substance-Free Summer Kickoff Carnival, was held in June and attracted over 400 attendees. The event featured games, local vendors, and live music, all in a substance-free environment. The success of this event established the ACE framework as a community-wide initiative for youth engagement and substance use prevention.

 

Branding and Promotion:

All events were branded with the Substance-Free Alternative Events (SFAE) logo and the tagline “Fun, Healthy, and Substance-Free.” Promotions included social media posts, school announcements, flyers, and engagement through local churches. The youth advisory board was heavily involved in the planning and promotion, ensuring that the activities resonated with their peers.

 

Call to Action:

The Positive Social Norms Campaign was embedded in all ACE messaging and events, promoting the message: Choose Health, Choose You – Stay Strong, Substance-Free.” The campaign’s call to action focused on encouraging youth to make healthy choices, engage in community activities, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being. This directive was reinforced through event posters, social media challenges, and local influencers, who shared the message across platforms. The campaign promoted personal empowerment, encouraging youth to see themselves as leaders in positive decision-making.

 

Companion Policy and Practice Changes

To reinforce and strengthen the longer-term impact of the ACE alternative activities and messaging, the Coalition introduced several companion policies that aligned with the prevention goals:

 

1. Permit Incentives: The Coalition worked with local government officials to create permit incentives, including reduced permit fees for businesses operating within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that committed to an established percentage of alcohol-free events. This policy encouraged the development of family-friendly, substance-free environments in public spaces.

 

2. Event Licensing: The Coalition worked with city officials to implement a policy requiring at least 35% of community events held within the DORA to be alcohol-free. Priority was given to events that were family-friendly and inclusive, reinforcing the community-wide commitment to promoting healthy, substance-free activities.

 

Evaluation

The Anytown Coalition used the tools from the ACE Implementation Manual to evaluate the success of the initiative. The evaluation data collection and processes included:

 

Focus Groups:

The Coalition conducted focus groups with youth participants, parents, and community stakeholders after key events such as the Back-to-School Sports Tournament and the Winter Wellness Festival. These focus groups provided valuable qualitative feedback on event engagement, substance-free messaging, and mental health promotion efforts. Participants expressed increased feelings of community connection, with one youth noting, “I feel like I have a place to go now where I belong.”

 

Participant Outcomes Surveys:

At each event, youth completed pre- and post-surveys to assess changes in attitudes toward substance use and their intentions to remain substance-free. Results showed a 20% decrease in the number of youth reporting intentions to use substances within the next six months. Additionally, 80% of youth reported feeling more confident in their ability to make healthy decisions after attending multiple ACE events.

 

Formative Feedback Surveys:

The Coalition gathered feedback after each event through short surveys, asking participants to rate their experience and provide suggestions for future activities. These surveys helped refine event planning, ensuring that activities remained relevant and appealing to youth. For example, feedback from the trivia night event led to the inclusion of more interactive, team-based games at subsequent events.

 

Sustainability and Capacity Building

The Coalition built sustainability for the ACE initiative by engaging all 12 Drug-Free Community (DFC) Sectors to support the expansion and continuation of the program:

 

Community Sector Involvement

The Anytown Coalition engaged 12 Drug-Free Community (DFC) sectors to support the ACE (Alcohol-free Community Events) initiative:

 

1. Youth Sector:

   – Led event planning through youth advisory board

   – Ensured activities aligned with youth interests

   – Provided leadership experience for young people

   – Engaged peers and promoted activities via social media

 

2. Parents Sector:

   – PTO and other local organizations assisted with recruiting volunteers for events who:

   – Spread awareness through parent networks

   – Coordinated transportation for youth

   – Advocated for the initiative within the school system and community within their networks

 

3. Business Sector:

   – Offered sponsorships and in-kind donations (food, venues, event materials)

   – Participated in permit incentives for alcohol-free establishments

   – Ensured family-friendly environments

 

4. Media Sector:

   – Ran stories about the ACE initiative in local newspapers and radio stations

   – Increased awareness and promoted events

   – Reinforced positive social norms campaign through event coverage

 

5. Schools Sector:

   – Integrated ACE event promotions into school announcements and newsletters

   – Provided teachers as event chaperones

   – Facilitated after-school engagement

   – Hosted ACE events on campus

 

6. Youth-Serving Organizations:

   – Helped recruit participants

   – Provided additional staffing and facilitator recruitment for events including the Art Exploration Activity Groups

   – Assisted in organizing events and spreading awareness

 

7. Law Enforcement Sector:

   – Volunteered at events

   – Promoted events

 

8. Faith Sector:

   – Promoted events through bulletins and announcements

   – Clergy participated in wellness panels during key ACE events

   – Organized transportation for youth, particularly for underserved populations

 

9. Civic Groups:

   – Hosted fundraising events

   – Provided volunteers to support the ACE initiative

   – Ensured financial sustainability of the initiative

 

10. Health Sector:

    – Mental health professionals offered workshops at events

    – Provided youth with coping strategies and mental health resources

    – Partnered with the Coalition for educational sessions on substance use prevention

 

11. Local Government Sector:

    – Supported zoning and event licensing policies

    – Provided incentives for alcohol-free environments

    – Promoted family-friendly events within the community

 

12. Other Substance Use Prevention Organizations:

    – Collaborated with the Coalition to share resources

    – Ensured alignment with broader substance use prevention efforts

    – Helped train volunteers

 

Anytown Coalition’s ACE Best Practices

 

Branding

The Anytown Coalition adhered closely to ACE best practices regarding branding, ensuring that all events, materials, and giveaways had a consistent look and feel that established trust and recognition across the community. A key component of the strategy was the uniform application of branding elements such as colors, logos, identifiable markings, and taglines.

  • Consistent Branding: The Coalition used the Substance-Free Alternative Events (SFAE) logo at every event, in promotional materials, and on all event giveaways. The tagline, “Fun, Healthy, and Substance-Free,” was prominently displayed to reinforce the purpose of the events and to clearly communicate their outcomes-based intentions.
  • Unified Look: No matter the size of the event, the branding created a sense of familiarity for participants. Posters, flyers, social media posts, and even staff t-shirts were designed with the same color scheme and logo, ensuring that any event associated with ACE was instantly recognizable. The goal was to foster a sense of comfort and reliability, so participants knew what to expect from each ACE event—fun, substance-free activities in a safe, positive environment.
  • Outcomes-Focused Messaging: Every promotional item included the SFAE brand identity, with messaging emphasizing positive youth development and wellness. This outcomes-based focus heightened community awareness and reinforced the initiative’s core goal: reducing substance use while promoting healthy, prosocial behavior among Anytown’s youth.

 

Scheduling and Planning

Effective scheduling and planning were critical to the success of the Anytown Coalition’s ACE initiative. All event dates and logistics were fully vetted and approved in advance to ensure reliability and consistency across the year.

  • Repeat Engagement: The Coalition scheduled events on the third Saturday of each month, creating a regular rhythm that participants could plan for. Larger quarterly events, such as the Summer Kickoff Carnival, were complemented by two smaller monthly events. This structure ensured that youth had multiple opportunities to engage with the initiative and reinforced community participation.
  • Pro-Social Focus: At least one event per quarter was explicitly pro-social, such as the Back-to-School Sports Tournament, which not only encouraged physical activity but also brought youth together in a positive, substance-free environment that promoted teamwork and leadership.
  • Community Integration: The Coalition participated in other community events—such as the local fair and farmers’ market—using these opportunities to promote the ACE initiative and distribute prevention messaging. At each event, the Coalition maintained a booth with promotional materials, a calendar of upcoming ACE events, and past event photos to build community interest and maintain visibility.

 

Promotion

Consistent and well-organized promotion was essential in building the reputation and recognition of ACE events.

  • Consistent Messaging: The SFAE branding appeared on all promotional materials, which included annual and seasonal calendars, individual event invitations, and social media posts. The Coalition ensured that every participant knew what to expect from the events by consistently reinforcing the substance-free message.
  • Diverse Promotion Channels: The Coalition used both traditional and digital platforms to reach their audience, including local newspapers, church bulletins, community radio, and Facebook groups. They also utilized school announcements and youth influencers to spread the word, ensuring the priority population was engaged through channels familiar to them.
  • Cross-Platform Coordination: Methods of communication were aligned across all media, ensuring that no participant missed key event information. When a new communication method was introduced, such as Instagram stories, it was vetted and tested before removing less effective strategies. This approach ensured participant retention and helped sustain engagement.

 

Incentives, Rewards, and Giveaways

Incentives and giveaways were crucial for amplifying the impact of the events, reinforcing positive behavior changes, and serving as reminders of participants’ involvement.

  • Event Giveaways: Each event featured giveaways such as magnets, stickers, tote bags, and t-shirts. These items carried the SFAE logo and messaging to ensure that participants took home a physical reminder of the event. Items like sunglasses and Frisbees were popular among younger participants, while pill boxes and tote bags were appreciated by older community members.
  • Participation Incentives: To encourage attendance at multiple events, participants were offered incentives for collecting pins or magnets from each event. At the end of the year, those who attended the most events were eligible for a prize drawing, fostering continuous engagement with the ACE initiative.
  • Survey Incentives: Participants who completed event surveys were entered into prize drawings, further encouraging feedback while reinforcing positive associations with the events. These giveaways also served as positive memories of the ACE events, further cementing the substance-free message.

 

The Anytown Coalition’s implementation of the ACE Framework and SFAE model achieved measurable success in reducing youth substance use and promoting mental health. Through consistent community engagement, companion policy changes, and a targeted Positive Social Norms Campaign, the Coalition created an environment where substance-free living became the norm. The initiative not only reduced substance use intentions among youth but also strengthened community bonds and empowered young people to take active roles in their well-being.

 

Appendix: Sample Event Calendar

June

  • Event Name: Substance-Free Summer Kickoff
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 400
  • Description: A carnival-style event with games, food, live music, and wellness booths to launch the ACE initiative for the summer. The event includes mental health resources and community engagement opportunities.

July

  • Event Name: Mindfulness Workshops (Weekly)
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 30-40 per session
  • Description: Weekly workshops focused on teaching youth mindfulness and stress management techniques. Participants engage in meditation and reflective activities, promoting mental health and resilience.

 

  • Event Name: Youth Talent Show
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 200
  • Description: A community talent show where local youth showcase their talents, from singing and dancing to art displays. Prizes are awarded, and mental health professionals speak briefly about creative expression as a tool for mental well-being.

August

  • Event Name: Back-to-School Sports Tournament
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 350
  • Description: A sports tournament featuring basketball, soccer, and other team activities. Participants engage in substance-free competition, while booths around the event offer information on healthy living and substance prevention.

 

  • Event Name: Family Fun Day
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 250
  • Description: A family-oriented event with games, food trucks, and wellness activities for all ages. This event promotes family bonding and includes prevention messaging through interactive booths and demonstrations.

 

September

  • Event Name: Movie Night
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 150
  • Description: An outdoor movie night featuring a popular, family-friendly film. Attendees enjoy a substance-free environment with popcorn, refreshments, and giveaways.

 

  • Event Name: Art Exploration Activity Group (Weekly)
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 20-30 per session
  • Description: A weekly art activity group where participants explore various mediums, from painting to clay sculpture. These sessions foster creativity, promote mental well-being, and give youth an outlet for self-expression.

 

October

  • Event Name: Substance-Free Fall Festival
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 320
  • Description: A fall festival featuring hayrides, pumpkin carving, games, and live music. The event promotes substance-free fun and mental health awareness through interactive booths, community speakers, and giveaways.

 

  • Event Name: Haunted House (Substance-Free)
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 200
  • Description: A family-friendly, substance-free haunted house experience that’s engaging for all ages. The event includes prevention messaging and encourages a healthy, fun approach to traditional Halloween celebrations.

 

November

  • Event Name: Monthly Trivia Night
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 120
  • Description: A team-based trivia night with questions covering pop culture, local history, and mental health facts. Prizes are awarded to winning teams, and the event includes information booths on substance use prevention and mental health.

 

  • Event Name: Leadership Workshop (Youth Focused)
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 40
  • Description: A leadership development workshop aimed at empowering youth with skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Attendees engage in group activities and receive certificates of completion.

 

December

  • Event Name: Winter Wellness Festival
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 300
  • Description: A winter-themed event featuring ice skating, wellness workshops, and substance-free holiday activities. Youth and families enjoy seasonal fun, while learning about mental health and substance use prevention through interactive displays.

 

  • Event Name: Holiday Toy Drive & Community Potluck
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 200
  • Description: A holiday event where families donate toys for local youth in need and share a meal together. The event includes substance-free messaging, games, and family-friendly activities that promote community support and kindness.

 

January

  • Event Name: New Year, New Goals Workshop
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 50
  • Description: A goal-setting workshop that helps youth plan their goals for the new year. Participants create vision boards, engage in group discussions, and learn tools for maintaining mental and physical wellness throughout the year.

 

  • Event Name: Winter Sports Day
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 180
  • Description: A day of winter sports, including snowshoeing, sledding, and friendly snowball fights. The event promotes physical fitness and mental health while maintaining a substance-free environment.

 

February

  • Event Name: Valentine’s Day Healthy Relationships Workshop
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 40
  • Description: A workshop on building and maintaining healthy relationships. Youth discuss communication, respect, and boundaries, with an emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being.

 

  • Event Name: Game Night (Board Games and Group Games)
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 140
  • Description: A substance-free game night featuring board games, interactive group games, and team competitions. Prizes are awarded for winners, and the event includes educational booths on substance use prevention and healthy living.

 

March

  • Event Name: Spring Forward Fitness Challenge
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 300
  • Description: A community-wide fitness challenge to encourage physical activity as the weather warms up. Activities include a 5K fun run, obstacle courses, and team-based fitness challenges. The event includes healthy living workshops and substance-free messaging.

 

  • Event Name: Mindfulness Workshops (Weekly)
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 30-40 per session
  • Description: Weekly mindfulness sessions teaching stress-relief techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga.

 

April

  • Event Name: Earth Day Community Cleanup
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 250
  • Description: A community-wide cleanup event where youth and families work together to beautify public spaces. The event promotes environmental stewardship, teamwork, and a commitment to community well-being.

 

  • Event Name: Gardening Workshop (Youth Focused)
  • Type: Small
  • Attendees: 40
  • Description: A hands-on gardening workshop that teaches youth about sustainable gardening practices, with a focus on teamwork and building a connection to nature.

 

May

  • Event Name: Mental Health Awareness Fair
  • Type: Large
  • Attendees: 350
  • Description: A community fair dedicated to mental health awareness. Activities include workshops on managing stress, interactive art installations, and booths run by local mental health organizations. The event promotes a substance-free lifestyle and offers resources for youth and families.

 

  • Event Name: Outdoor Adventure Day
  • Type: Medium
  • Attendees: 220
  • Description: A day of outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and team-building exercises. Participants enjoy nature while learning about mental and physical health. The event promotes substance-free fun and personal development.

 

Appendix: Anytown ACE Logic Model

 

Inputs

Activities

Outputs

Outcomes

Community stakeholders: local organizations, citizens, schools, parents, businesses

 

ACE Implementation Manual and training

Funding from Rotary Club, businesses, and other in-kind donations

 

Partnership with Drug-Free Communities (DFC) sectors

 

Youth advisory board

 

Venues: community gym, recreation center, theater, and farmers’ market

 

Substance-Free Alternative Events (SFAE) branding and materials

Volunteers from various sectors

 

Planning and Development

Community needs assessment to identify substance use rates and gaps in services

 

Development of a year-long event calendar with large, medium, and small-scale substance-free activities

 

Youth engagement through advisory boards and stakeholder focus

Groups

 

Implementation of Events

Quarterly large events: Substance-Free Summer Kickoff, Winter Wellness Festival, Back-to-School Sports Tournament

 

Monthly medium events: Youth movie nights, trivia contests, substance-free holiday gatherings

 

Weekly small events: Art Exploration Activity Groups, mindfulness sessions, youth leadership workshops

 

Companion Policy Changes

Permit incentives and event licensing policies to increase alcohol-free public spaces

 

Promotion and Messaging

Branding all events with SFAE logo and tagline: “Fun, Healthy, and Substance-Free”

 

Positive Social Norms Campaign: “Choose Health, Choose You – Stay Strong, Substance-Free”

 

Media outreach through traditional and digital platforms

12 large community events annually

 

Monthly substance-free gatherings for youth and families

 

Weekly engagement activities promoting mental health and substance-free lifestyles

 

Community-wide policies supporting alcohol-free public events

 

Youth and family participation in substance-free environments

 

Community media coverage and promotional efforts

 

Short-Term

 

Increased awareness of substance-free alternatives

 

Youth engagement and empowerment through leadership roles

 

Strengthened community bonds

 

Positive changes in attitudes toward substance use

 

Increased mental health awareness and resources

 

Medium-Term

 

Reduction in youth intentions to use substances

 

Increased confidence in youth to make healthy decisions

 

Stronger community connections through regular engagement

 

Increased substance-free environments through policy changes

 

Long-Term

 

Sustainable reductions in youth substance use rates (initial focus on reducing higher-than-state-average rates)

 

Long-term improvements in youth mental health and well-being

 

Ongoing community commitment to prevention through continuous events and policy reinforcement

 

Institutionalization of the ACE framework in the community planning structure

 

 

 

 

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