EWAlution Rainbow Collaboration - The EWAlution Rainbow Collaboration aims to prevent and reduce underage drinking and strengthen inclusion and equity for LGBTQ+, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Asian youth by increasing access to information, skill-building, support, services, and policy change in 'Ewa Beach.
The population to be impacted by this project consists of youth in 'Ewa Beach at James Campbell High School, Ilima Intermediate School, Ewa Makai Middle School, DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach public charter school, and Island Pacific Academy private school. The majority of students are Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. LGBTQ+ youth will be the primary population to be served in partnership with each school's Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs. The 2019 Hawaii YRBS Honolulu County Results show that 8.9% of middle school students and 10.1% of high school students participating in the survey identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual; 1.2% of middle school students and 1.8% of high school students identified as transgender. The Hawaii Sexual and Gender Minority Health Report (2017) indicates ethnic representation among LGBQ youth was highest for Native Hawaiian (24%) and Filipino (22%).
Project Goals: 1) Increase the capacity of the EWAlution 96706 (E9) coalition to implement evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking among LGBTQ+ youth and support the health and wellness of all youth in the ‘Ewa Beach community; and 2) Increase opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, allies, peers, family, school, and community members to participate in and take action to reduce and prevent underage drinking.
Measurable Objectives:
• By December 1, 2024, E9 will have convened with the LGBTQ+ leadership workgroup and key partners to engage in a SPF-based process to establish and guide the EWAlution Rainbow Collaboration (ERC) project. Monthly meetings will be held monthly to oversee the project.
• By January 2025, E9 will have joined with the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance to educated legislators and community members about underage drinking and policy changes and the Hawaii Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking to collaborate on alcohol policy initiatives. Monthly meetings will be attended in years 1-4.
• By the end of year 1, the ERC project will have provided 3 trainings for youth service providers, schools, and community organizations. Quarterly training will be conducted in years 2-4.
• By April 2025, the ERC will have convened a Town Hall meeting to provide information about underage drinking and prevention, elicit community feedback about related issues and concerns, and explore actions. Continue in years 2-4.
• By the end of year 1, the ERC will have developed its Talk. They Hear You. campaign to increase awareness and promote conversations within families, among youth, and in schools and the community to prevent underage drinking. Conduct campaign in years 2-4 and host 2 family nights/year to support TTHY parent/child talks and family agreements.
• By the end of year 1, the ERC will have collaborated with partners to enhance LGBTQ+ youth access to positive youth development opportunities through hosting/ supporting 3 alcohol- and drug-free events/activities and 2 educational presentations. Continue in years 2-4.
• By the end of year 1, the ERC will have developed a plan to strengthen the support network for LGBTQ+ youth to increase access to services that support health and wellness including linkages to support services. Implement plan in years 2-4.
Number of people to be served annually and for the entire project:
The project will serve 300 individuals annually and 1,200 for the entire project.
