Slideshow introducing a new discussion guide for communities to deliberate over what to do about childhood drinking.

1. A New Kind Of Conversation Making Choices About Underage Drinking In The Community

2. Hard Problems Require Public Deliberation Communities across America face tough problems, what some scholars call “wicked problems” These are problems where: The cause is not clear The solution is not clear Any solution will take multiple actors (different groups, citizens, government, etc.)

3. Wicked Problems Are Political And Involve Values “Wicked problems” aren’t technical problems, otherwise we would have solved them They involve trade offs between values, and also require political will Example: Terrorism in U.S. involves tension between security and freedom They require deliberation

4. What Deliberation Takes Real choices Evenhanded presentation Address trade offs

5. This Discussion Guide How should our community prevent and reduce drinking by children aged 9-15? Three Options Neutral Each Option Has Drawbacks As Well As Advantages Face Trade Offs

6. Introduction

7. Option One Reach Children With Problems Early “Some children have problems when it comes to alcohol and other issues. We need to find them as early as possible and help them.” But: Professionals will intrude in families’ lives; the issue may get pushed underground.

8. Option Two Remove Access and Incentives “If we are going to make it so our children don't drink, we will need to change the community. This includes not only making it harder to get access to alcohol, but also stronger enforcement of the laws.” But: We will need more control over children's day-to-day activities as well as more restrictions on adults' behavior

9. Option Three Help Children Through A Difficult Time In Development “We need to help children through the difficult elementary and middle school years so they do not get derailed.“ But: Responsibility for parenting children will shift from the family to professionals.

10. For More Information Leadership To Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation www.alcoholfreechildren.org National Issues Forums Institutewww.nifi.org