The Finger Lakes Collegiate Task Force has been an active group since the beginning- 1989. The colleges represented in this region include Hobart & Willian Smith colleges, Finger Lakes Community College, St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, SUNY at Brockport, SUNY at Geneseo, and Monroe Community College.

We originated with the purpose of being a support network to each other comprised of college health professionals, substance abuse treatment providers, prevention providers and other human service resources. Our region found a solid beginning whereby membership grew quickly and has remained strong over the years. As a result of having received two FIPSE Grants, we provided trainings to the community on topics pertaining to substance abuse issues in higher education and developed a College Resource Guide. Many of these early efforts challenged a shift in thought which required us to further educate our community while drawing it together.

Several colleges throughout the years received Social Norms grants as well as State Incentive Grants through the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, as well as other financial sources to enhance and further their efforts. Our co-chairs continue their involvement on a statewide level by their active membership on the Statewide College Steering Committee. They have been instrumental in the coordination of each years' Statewide College Conference. As a task force, we have furthered the Social Norms work by preparing a half-day training that was used within our local community. We have helped to advance the Risk & Protection Model of prevention within our region. College communities continue to maintain and expand collaborative relationships, pulling college and community closer together.

This past year, the Finger Lakes Collegiate Task Force has been addressing the issue of tavern flyers and newspaper ads aimed to solicit college students. As a result, we have broadened our relationship with law enforcement and have challenged whether the advertising is in compliance with Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws (ABC Laws). The closer relationship with law enforcement is leading us to more seamless strategies in our overall efforts. We are making attempts to further educate and involve tavern owners as partners. We are also addressing the issue of falsified ID's, illegal purchase and on/off campus issues.

Bridget DeRollo & Karen Pelc, Co-chairs