Terms of Reference

Mission
Working to prevent alcohol and drug misuse, and associated injuries and disease

Purpose:
The purpose of the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition is to facilitate collaboration and communication in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of substance misuse prevention programs in the Smiths Falls, Perth and Merrickville area. Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition’s function and activities are meant to enhance and/or facilitate the activities of members’ organizations and do not preclude independent activities by its member organizations.

Timeframe:
April 2006 - March 2008

Structure and Membership:
The Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition is comprised of substance misuse prevention stakeholders in the Smiths Falls, Perth and Merrickville area. 

Membership is open to individuals, businesses, agencies and groups who are interested in preventing alcohol and drug related injuries and diseases and share the goal of improved health outcomes in our communities.

Functions:

• Build consensus on consistent messages to be used in local programming
• Promote the use of best practices and evaluation
• Facilitate joint community projects (e.g. Drug Awareness Week and Racing Against Drugs)
• Maintain regional communication (e.g. Eastern Ontario Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership and Eastern Ontario Safe Communities)
• Advocate for effective substance misuse prevention strategies in our community
• Strengthen community relationship amongst partner agencies

Roles and Responsibilities of Coalition Partners:
The Coalition Partners are a group of individuals and representatives, representing organizations and service providers, all sharing an interest in achieving the goals and mission of the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition.

The Responsibilities of the Coalition Partners include:

• Each agency will appoint at least one standing member and an alternate to the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition,
• Each member will act as a liaison between the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition and their appropriate organization,
• Contribute to the annual submission plan, interim report and final report,
• Participate in appropriate Smiths Falls FOCUS initiatives,
• Gather and disseminate information on best practices and evaluation,
• Establish and annually review content for the Smiths Falls FOCUS website,
• Use own distribution channels to further broaden communication and dissemination,
• Identify appropriate community stakeholders for the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition and encourage their participation,
• Provide leadership in identifying and confirming community priorities and emerging issues,
• Review Terms of reference annually and revise as necessary,
• Attend monthly coalition meetings (second Tuesday morning of every month)