Winona, Minnesota, study circles tackle alcohol abuse

by Carrie Boron

January 1, 2003 | | Winona, MN

In the past five years, nine Winona college students died of alcohol-related causes, and a recent study by the City of Winona and Winona State University indicated a high degree of alcohol use among Winona's middle school students. Needless to say, the community decided to take action.

This fall, Winona Community Voices-- a partnership of civic, educational, government, and business organizations-- initiated study circles on alcohol abuse. More than 80 people from around the community participated in study circles to find ways to curb alcohol abuse amongst its young people.

"Alcohol touches the lives of so many people. We want to understand a community perspective on alcohol," said Randy Schenkat, a steering committee member of Winona's Community Voices.

To complement the face-to-face study circles, Winona Community Voices partnered with Winona Online Democracy to set up on-line discussions on "Alcohol use in Winona." Winona Community Voices also used its web site to post facilitators' notes from the eight different study circle sites so that participants could compare notes with other study circles.

At the conclusion of the program, participants commented on proposed action items on-line prior to the face-to-face action forum. The comments helped shape the program's December action forum in which 50 participants identified top action ideas. These recommendations ranged from building stronger relationships between neighbors through block parties and neighborhood organizations to limiting the number of liquor licenses in town.

The program has since created six action committees, one of which will work to promote respect and responsibility. Steve King, a 21-year-old Winona State University sophomore and Winona native, will head this committee. King says that this group will focus on getting the college community acquainted with its Winona neighbors.

"It's everybody in the community, not just college students," says King. "Finding solutions, finding harmony, finding relationships with one another. I don't think we've ever had an opportunity like this."

Learn more: Youth Issues