To the Editor,

Many people have been wondering about the meaning of the confab signs and buttons that have been seen around local towns. The word confab means to have a conversation or chat. The Confab Campaign is a community social norms campaign on underage drinking implemented by community members in Wilmington, Whitingham and Dover. The theme is “Changing Minds by Speaking Yours About Underage Drinking.” The campaign was implemented using Guerrilla Marketing and it was initiated through a three-week “stealth” process in which a key message which was unclear (Confab) was circulated throughout the valley to stimulate questions, reactions, and discussion. Any conversation generated about underage drinking because of this campaign means that it was a success.

To be honest, when the plan for this campaign was designed, I was not aware that it would be illegal. I assumed that folks might be upset about the placement of the signs and would simply remove them. As soon as I was notified of the illegality, the signs were pulled immediately. I am sorry if this upset or inconvenienced anyone. I apologize to the town officials that this made extra work in fielding phone calls and dealing with displeased citizens. I do hope that the annoyance generated by this campaign will be outweighed by the outcome. My hope is that people start to be as outraged about underage drinking and people providing alcohol to minors as they were about the confab signs and buttons.

I personally am sorry and outraged that 87% of high school upperclassmen in the valley report that is it easy to get alcohol in our community. I am sorry and outraged that of the 23% of eighth graders that drank in the past 30 days, 40% report that someone gives them alcohol (YRBS 2009). I am sorry and outraged that, over the years, young people in Windham County have died of alcohol related accidents. I hope that people will start talking about this issue to their family, friends, and neighbors. If everyone does their part in making this a community effort, we will improve the health and safety of our children.

I would like to thank the “Confab Street Team” consisting of Kit and Kirra Cincotta, Rebecca and Hank Sweeney, Andy Hauty, Janet and Buck Boyd, Buddy Hayford, Randy and Vicki Capitani, and Laura Sibilia, who assisted with planning and implementing the campaign. I am very appreciative of their willingness to become engaged in this important issue.

So please get involved. Start the conversation, put a Confab cling on your car or business window, wear a confab button to generate discussion, sign our parent or community pledge. If you would like more information please check out our website at www.dvconfab.net .

Cindy Hayford

Wilmington