Additional Resources
This site was developed to help communities understand how to use evidence-based and evidence-informed systems change strategies as part of a shared risk and protective approach to primary prevention. Additional guidance on several related topics can be found using the resources linked below.
While the Menu of Systems Change Strategies offers evidence-based and -informed options for communities, it is important to note that the menu is not comprehensive. Communities can consider other innovative and promising systems change strategies to address their specific needs, but are encouraged to review this resource to help guide their search.
The Menu of Systems Change Strategies contains only community and societal-level systems change strategies which research shows can be effective in reducing risk factors and improving protective factors. The Technical Appendix compiles the resources and research studies that were used to identify and select the strategies included in this Menu.
Communities implementing a shared risk and protective factor approach to prevention can also be effective in addressing opioid misuse in their communities given the link between risk factors to opioid misuse and protective factor buffering against misuse. This resource can help coalitions understand how to leverage their ongoing efforts to expand their efforts to address opioid misuse using prevention and intervention strategies across the Social Ecological Model.
This menu exclusively discusses systems change strategies to address shared risk and protective factors. Communities interested in implementing programs that target individuals and/or their relationships with peers and families - either alongside systems change strategies or on their own - can use this resource to help guide their search for appropriate options.
This resource compiles national and Colorado-specific organizations and agencies that may be able to fund community efforts to implement strategies and/or programs. It also suggests several community actions that can support the attainment of financial support to address shared risk and protective factors.
This guide will teach you how to engage in advocacy for substance use prevention, but the principles covered can be applied to any advocacy effort at any level of government. The guide explains how to be a vocal, visible and valuable advocate and gives an overview of the difference between education and lobbying. It provides guidance for developing an effective advocacy strategy. It explains the federal legislative process and will help you prepare to meet with your legislators. This guide will help you maximize your meetings with legislators to ensure that you make an impact for your policy concerns. Even if you are unable to travel to Washington, DC or to your state capitol, the guide offers information on other types of advocacy activities. (Reminder you must follow local and state advocacy rules and laws.)