The Minnesota Star of the North Prevention Coalition (Star) is a statewide network of coalitions working together to prevent problems related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Star has been working hard to fulfill its goals which include influencing policy, assuring cultural competence and strengthening coalitions through resource sharing and trainings. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight several of Star's accomplishments over the past year... thus the title of this piece.

Mrs. Clinton commends Hermantown

Excitement was in the air when Hillary Rodham-Clinton visited Hermantown, MN in March. The First Lady discussed building healthy communities, violence, and the effect of media on youth and adult participants in the Hermantown KIDS PLUS program, a Star coalition. The Hermantown community organized an outstanding welcome for Mrs. Clinton. The gym was packed with 1400 youth from 4th through 12th grades.

Intergenerational dialogue

Star is sponsoring several intergenerational train-the-trainer workshops. Trainers learn to plan, organize and facilitate intergenerational dialogue in their communities. This community support tool is based on two concepts:

• each generation has unique and valuable perspectives that must be included in any community discussion
• all generations need to be involved in solving community problems

Kids hanging out stirs community

Willmar rallied around one major concern, kids hanging out downtown. Business people and community members met to discuss this issue and found they had a larger purpose, namely building assets in their youth. Thus the Successful Kids Coalition was born. "Nothing to do" was a common theme at a November community forum, attended by over 850 Willmar residents. As a result, the "Something To Do" family fair was held in April. Over 40 community groups and clubs, such as dance clubs, cultural organizations, the hockey association and Boy Scouts, were on hand to encourage youth to become involved.

Prevention and the Internet

Forty-five KIDS PLUS community representatives participated in the Learning + Technology Conference through the Duluth School District. The Northland Foundation and Star sponsored two workshops during this high-tech day. Technology trainings have been held across Minnesota to give the computer basics of the Internet and electronic mail to coalition members. Look under "Take Note" for additional trainings to be held this summer.

You can make a difference

Star has invited community coalitions to attend state and local government policy trainings. The focus has been on how coalitions can impact government by better understanding

• the local government decision making process
• building relationships with elected officials
• defining the message

Native American Mentorship Program

The Healthy Nations Collaborative (an organization of 50 Native American agencies) and Star are developing a mentorship program for Native American youth. The mentor training plans are underway, which will include gender roles, violence, gangs, family and youth issues and chemical use. Each year, at least 25 Native American youth will receive mentors through this program.

Star continues to look for partnership opportunities to prevent problems related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. For more information on Star programs and staff in your region, please contact Barry Dunayer, Project Director, or Jill Heins at the Minnesota Star of the North Prevention Coalition, 2720 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 or call 763-427-5310.

E-Mail: bdunayer@miph.org or jheins@miph.org.