This paper provides information on a substance abuse prevention effort called the Commonwealth Alliance for Drug Rehabilitation and Education (CADRE). After a discussion of the origins of CADRE, five steps taken by CADRE in its substance abuse prevention efforts are described, beginning with organizational establishment. The identification and involvement of key leaders are explored in terms of diversity of leadership, meaningful roles, bylaws, and standard operating procedures. Next, avenues for increasing formal community awareness are described: (1) the PRIDE National Survey; (2) videos and local cablevision; (3) newsletters and print media; (4) outside resource personnel; (5) established civic groups and organizations; and (6) the regional conference and annual meeting. After a description of momentum building activities, a section on evaluation describes the use of surveys and self-evaluation and the establishment of annual goals. Last, information on project staffing and management, program initiation and community involvement activities, problems created by regional collaboration, and success measurement is provided. (CLA)