Youth In Action

MADD Massachusetts is actively leading the way in preventing YIA logo underage drinking with our Youth In Action (YIA) program. YIA is a community-based program designed to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors by implementing projects with measurable outcomes, building relationships with law enforcement, community activists and coalitions, and producing effective policy goals.

Youth In Action activities identify the sources in a community where teens access alcohol and work to eliminate them. Sources include alcohol retailers and other adults who would willingly buy alcohol for minors. MADD Massachusetts actively trains and supports youth who choose to be substance free and are dedicated to changing community norms that accept underage drinking as a ‘rite of passage.’

Youth In Action projects include:

Policy & Enforcement

Roll call briefings & law enforcement recognition – Thanking police officers for enforcing the 21 minimum drinking age law.

Compliance checks –Youth under 21 visit alcohol licensees, under the supervision of police officers or the state ABCC, to see if they will sell alcohol to the underage buyer.

Community Norms

Community assessments – Surveying attitudes, beliefs and activities that affect underage drinking in your community.

Adult Dialogues – Hosting community events, home host parties and adult forums, led by youth, to discuss the roles and responsibilities adults have in addressing the problem of underage drinking.

Access & Availability

Alcohol purchase surveys – Survey of alcohol licensees using a 21 year old, young adult, to determine if they will be asked for ID at the point of sale.

Shoulder tap surveys – Collect information about how easily youth can obtain alcohol from someone over 21.

Sticker shock – Remind adults that it is illegal for them to provide alcohol to minors by putting brightly colored stickers and signs on packages of alcohol and in liquor stores.

Related resources

Youth In Action Database (YIADB)