What is the mission of Youth In Action (YIA)?

To reduce the social and retail availability of alcohol to minors and support enforcement of underage drinking laws.

Why is YIA important?

Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice for American youth and kills more youth than all other illicit drugs combined.

What are the goals of YIA?

To reduce youth access to alcohol by increasing awareness and enforcement of alcohol laws for alcohol retailers and community members. 

Where is YIA?

There are more than 46 Teams in 16 states with active YIA groups.

How has YIA impacted communities?

• From 2000 to 2005, Honolulu, Hawaii has seen its alcohol compliance rate increase from 61% to 83%.
• From 2001 to 2006, Marlborough, Mass., has seen its alcohol compliance rate increase from 62% to 100%.
• With consistent activity, YIA can prevent underage drinking! 

 What is needed to start a YIA team?

All teams need an adult coordinator and at least 2 committed youth.  It is helpful to have support from local law enforcement for participation in future YIA projects.  A YIA Adult Coordinator Training DVD is available for new teams to assist in getting started.

How can I Join a Youth In Action group?

Contact the local Youth In Action Coordinator to register and to begin volunteering.

Youth in Action Projects

Shoulder Tap Survey - (Must be 18 and under 21 years of age)

With adult supervision, youth approach adults to purchase alcohol for them, with the goal to educate them about the dangers and consequences of providing alcohol to minors.

Sticker Shock

Youth work with retailers to place prevention messages on alcohol multi-packs, creating a visual reminder of underage drinking laws.

Alcohol Purchase Survey

Young-looking 21 year olds survey retailers to find out if they are properly checking for identification on alcohol sales.

Compliance Checks - (Must be 18 and under 21 years of age)

Underage youth work as decoys with undercover police officers to make sure retailers aren't selling alcohol to minors and penalize those who do.

Roll Call Briefing

Youth create a presentation for law enforcement to show support of enforcing underage drinking laws.

Law Enforcement Recognition

Youth plan events, large or small, to recognize the hard work and dedication of local law enforcement in the fight against underage drinking.