How, why and when we got started: After attending a statewide conference on underage drinking, a group representing concerned parent organizations and law enforcement agencies got together in November 1999 to share ideas for change. The Cobb Underage Drinking Task Force was formed in March 2000, to address underage drinking conditions in Cobb County by providing a comprehensive approach to reducing underage drinking through the collaborative efforts of its partners and members. 

 

Where we are today: The taskforce changed names in 2009 order to better fit the with members' interest for expanding our scope of work. Today we target strategic activity to reduce youth binge drinking as well as underage drinking using Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA model program, Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol. 

Who we are: Members and Associate Members support the taskforce's mission, goals and values and receive regular email communications. Members agree to serve on 1 of 6 strategy teams that meet regularly and as scheduled (communication, data, enforcement, outreach, policy, youth) and attend quarterly taskforce meetings. Associate Members serve on an "as-needed" basis. Registration for membership is available online.

Mission Statement: The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is an alliance of individuals and organizations which mobilizes and challenges Cobb County adults to reduce underage and youth binge drinking by advancing strategic enforcement, policy and education goals.

Outcome goals:
Enforcement -
...Reduce illegal sales of alcohol to minors
...Reduce illegal social provisions of alcohol to minors
Policy -
...Increase use of policies to deter youth from using alcohol
...Increase use of policies to deter adults from providing alcohol to minors
Education -
...Change current social norms that support underage drinking
...Change current social norms that support youth binge drinking