Colorado Prevention Connection

Mission: To improve the quality and sustainability of Colorado Prevention Coalitions by serving as a unified force for advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and developing pathways to resources.

Vision:

Prevention efforts in Colorado are visible and represented by a unified voice. Coalition and key leaders from throughout the state of Colorado, representing Public Health, Build A Generation, Colorado Prevention Partners, Community Mobilization through Environmental Strategies, Persistent Drunk Driver, STEPP Tobacco Coalitions, Drug Free Communities Coalitions, Mentoring, LiveWell, TGYS, Early Childhood Councils, HB1451, other Division of Behavioral Health funded programs, DCJ and others too numerous to mention believe in the power of prevention. This growing pool of prevention professionals and stakeholders lacked a state forum for training, professional development and networking through peer mentoring. As a result it was important for these individuals to create a sustainable network, or association, of prevention coalition representatives. They even came to consensus for a definition of prevention! Guiding Strategies In order to accomplish the Colorado Prevention Connection's mission, the prevention coalitions determined that five strategies need to be at the forefront of our efforts: Advocacy/Collective Voice/Magnifying our Voices: To advocate for policy, education to public, resources and standardization Sustainability: To create avenues for sustainability through training, staff development and funding resources Efficiency and Integration: To expand efficiency and develop integration of coalitions through having common policies, practices and procedures Capacity Building: To incubate newer coalitions and nurture longer standing coalitions through board development, professional development, technical assistance, recruitment and outreach Sharing & Networking: To create and disseminate a clearinghouse of best practices, activities and information sharing