How can you help?

As DTL has grown, we have already seen changes in attitudes - among parents, retailers, and the media. Most important, more young people are starting to feel that it is not okay to drink. These signs are encouraging. But we still have a long way to go. Too many young people are still drinking. We must continue to reach each new group of young people and their parents.

Here are some ways that people and organizations can help prevent underage alcohol use and encourage positive choices:

• Support a weekly family dinner night - Join over one million families across the country and eat dinner at home on Family Day, the fourth Monday in September. Start a tradition and make it a weekly habit.
• Support the DTL Commercial Challenge - the Drawing The Line Commercial Challenge is an annual video challenge which engages teams of high school students in a contest to develop and produce memorable video messages to discourage use of alcohol among their peers.
• Build bridges with your children through: establish a regular movie night with both teen and parent selecting the movie, talk with your child about the differences and similarities of growing up today versus when you were a teen, share music choices of both teen and parent, watch favorite TV shows together, discuss television advertising together, share a sport or physical activity together.
• Help arm your child with words they can use to say "no". 
• Access the SAFEline and SAFEnet - a phone number and email newsletter providing resources to Montgomery County residents (access information for these programs available at the Resources link of this website).
• Sign a "Safe Home Pledge" with your child. Contact the DTL Coordinator for sample Safe Home Pledges.
• Know the laws on underage alcohol use and the consequences for both youths and adults.
• Know where to go for help. Contact the DTL coordinator for resources and support.

DTL must remain an ongoing effort. Our staff can help you become part of it. With your support, we will help all our young people grow and develop in positive ways, without the negative effects of alcohol. Please contact the DTL Coordinator for additional ways to help.