Frequently asked questions about the alliance
The Alliance is a network of organizations and individuals across Alaska working together to prevent the harms of alcohol use and promote community wellness. Unlike traditional programs that focus solely on individual behaviors, we aim to change the underlying systems that contribute to alcohol misuse.
Despite many efforts over the years, alcohol use remains Alaska's number one behavioral health problem. In 2019, Recover Alaska received a grant from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to develop a statewide approach to address this complex issue, recognizing that no single organization could solve it alone.
Anyone with a personal or professional interest in preventing the harms of alcohol use and building community wellness in Alaska can join. We welcome people with lived experience, prevention professionals, healthcare providers, educators, community members, and others.
Yes. While we recognize there are many substance use concerns in Alaska, our specific focus is on alcohol use prevention because data shows it remains the substance causing the most widespread harm in our communities. However, we understand the shared risk and protective factors contributing to multiple substance and behavioral health issues, which is why we focus on prevention and collaboration.
The Alliance engaged in network strategic planning in March of 2024, where it was determined that we needed to revisit our core language. After several months of workgroup and all-Alliance meeting discussions, we decided to shift our language. Specifically, this change was made to improve clarity and consistency, reduce stigma and the potential for harm, focus on root and systemic causes, and be more equitable.
We take a "systems change" approach, which means:
- We look at root causes rather than just symptoms
- We recognize historical trauma and systemic inequities
- We focus on community-level wellness, not just individual behavior
- We use collaborative decision-making rather than top-down approaches
- We value diverse perspectives, especially from rural and Indigenous communities
Instead of making decisions by majority vote, we seek solutions that everyone can live with. This means:
- We actively seek input from those affected by decisions
- We adapt proposals to address concerns and objections
- We value different perspectives and seek common ground
- We trust that everyone has a piece of the puzzle
No! We value different types of knowledge and experience. Your lived experience, community connections, and unique perspective are valuable contributions to this work.
It varies based on your level of involvement:
- General membership: Attending monthly meetings (1 hour/month)
- Workgroup participation: Additional 1-2 hours/month
- Regional co-chair role: More significant time investment
No, The Alliance does not engage in fee-based membership to ensure accessibility for all.
Absolutely! The Alliance is statewide with regional co-chairs representing different areas of Alaska. Almost all meetings are held virtually to enable participation from anywhere.
Meeting notes are shared with all members, and there are many ways to contribute between meetings. Let us know your constraints, and we'll find ways for you to participate.
We currently have regional co-chairs representing:
- Arctic
- Interior
- Southcentral
- Southeast
- Southwest
- Western
Regional co-chairs serve as liaisons between their regions and the overall Alliance. They help ensure local perspectives are included in statewide discussions and bring Alliance resources back to their communities. Each co-chair can choose the level and type of involvement in The Alliance in accordance with their capacity, interest, and expertise.
We welcome your interest in this vital network role! You may contact The Alliance Coordinator, Tesia Bobryicki, via email- tbobrycki@recoveralaska.org, or fill out this form.
In our first years, we've:
- Developed a Common Agenda with shared goals
- Built meaningful relationships across sectors and regions
- Created a framework for collaborative decision-making
- Established regional representation across Alaska
- Hosted equity training and community conversations
- Built a foundation for long-term systems change
- Designed and implemented a youth underage alcohol use prevention campaign
We look at multiple types of data:
- Statewide population health measures
- Localized community datasets
- Community-based knowledge and observations
- Process measures (like relationship-building and collaboration)
Currently, The Alliance is funded through a grant from the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Behavioral Health to Recover Alaska. We are exploring sustainable funding models for the future.
Please reach out to:
- Tesia Bobrycki, Alliance Coordinator: tbobrycki@recoveralaska.org
- Kara Stewart, Office & Administrative Coordinator: kstewart@recoveralaska.org
- Or connect with your regional co-chair (contact information available on our website)