Parent Advisory Group

74% of Youth Ages 8-17 report that parents are the leading influence on decision-making about drinking.


What can parents do to facilitate these conversations?

Orange Partnership houses a Parent Advisory Group (PAG). Utilizing principles of sustainabiltity and cultural competance, parents come together to discuss the affects of substance use on youth, ways to facilitate effective parent-child communication, and promote prevention strategies.


The Parent Advisory Group meets for a one-hour lunch meeting from 12-1pm at our Hillsborough Office space. Our address is 960 Corporate Dr. Ste 203, Hillsborough, NC. Check out the Orange Partnership calendar to know when the next meeting is!


The coalition also collaborates with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to provide Power of Parents workshops that empower parents of middle and high schoolers to engage in on-going, intentional conversations about the harms of underage drinking and marijuana use with their children.



There is a large disconnect between what parents and youth are experiencing when it comes to substance use. The landscape of products is much different now than when parents were teenagers, and oftentimes, substances have higher concentrations now than back then. 


Additionally, Orange Partnership's research has found discrepancies regarding parent-child conversation. Parents believe they are having conversations about substance use with their children at higher rates than youth do. These discrepancies persist regardless of substance-type. Perceptions of conversations are higher from parents than youth about prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco.


The PAG works largely to "Bridge the Gap" between parent and child by encouraging effective communication and education about substance misuse. 


Adolescents whose parents set clear rules and expectations about substance use, and discuss the harms associated with engaging with substances, are less likely to use than teenagers whose parents do not.


Through conversations with the Parent Advisory Group, Orange Partnership developed tips for improving parent-child communication. This rack card has been provided to the coalition's youth and parent-serving organizations in both English and Spanish, and acts as guide for engaging youth in conversations about substance use. 


Speaking to your child about the harm of substances from a young age is extremely important. Having these conversations early can reduce risk of addiction, create a safe and open environment for questions, and promote safety both in the home and outside of it. It is especially important to have these conversations before youth reach adulthood and may be on their own. However, breaching these topics can be difficult, especially that first time. 


Having these conversions becomes infinitely easier when parents have a script to follow. 


All you need to do is remember to meet at the TABLE:

  • Talk Early & Take The Lead
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions
  • Be Clear About Your Expectations
  • Listen
  • Exhibit Compassion