After a town hall forum on underage drinking in the spring of 2008, an idea was sparked to continue to work on
addressing the issue. Out of this idea, and the need for local resources and support for parents, the New Tradition Coalition of Lawrence began. Today we have representation from multiple sectors of the community, including law enforcement, schools, businesses, faith based organizations, parents, social service providers & the media. We are committed to providing parents and the community with factual data, education, and resources to aid in the reduction of underage drinking and related tragedies.
Parenting may be one of the toughest jobs in the world. But when a community forms a united front on an important issue like underage drinking, children get the consistency they need and parents feel supported in making the right, and sometimes tough, decisions.
The fact is, we live in a community where it is easy for teens to get alcohol. The tradition of college students obtaining liquor for younger siblings or friends is well known. Fake IDs are easy to acquire. “House parties” where hosts allow underage drinking are prevalent. Even some parents turn a blind eye to underage drinking calling it a “right of passage”.
That’s why we formed the New Tradition Coalition. We want to help change the culture in our community. The Lawrence community can break the tradition of underage drinking by uniting together, giving our kids a common message, strengthening laws, and providing safe environments for our teens.
Let’s start a new tradition.
Please join us!
We meet on the 1st Wednesday ofeach month at 11:30a.m. (brown bag lunch) at the DCCCA offices located at
3312 Clinton Parkway. The meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion or
become a member.
Current Coalition Members
David Schieffer, Parent
Pam McDermott, Parent
Schuyler Bailey, KU Public Safety
Steve Lewis, Douglas County Sheriff's Dept.
Marissa Palacios, KU Intern
Cheryl Wright, District Attorney's Office
Diane Ash, Lawrence High School, Prevention Specialist
Elizabeth Scheib, Faith-Based Advocate & Parent
Heidi Garcia, KU Student Health Services
Jackie Bogner, Parent
Jen Brinkerhoff, Regional Prevention Center
Jenny McKee, KU Student Health Services
John Drees, Lawrence Memorial Hospital
Judith Galas, Bishop Seabury Academy
Kelli Flanner, Regional Prevention Center
Maggie Kelly, BSW, CA; KU Intern
Mini Kaur, Community Advocate & Parent
Nancy Renfro, Business Owner & Parent
Tammy Davis, Business Advocate
Trent McKinley, Lawrence Police Dept.