The holiday wrapping paper isn’t even in the recycle bin and already my friends are hounding me, “What is on your New Year’s Resolution list this year?”

In the past, that answer has come easy as I consult the endless list of betterments that I continuously strive for: exercise, eat better, volunteer more at my children’s schools, start writing that screenplay, learn to knit.

I have a very full, happy life. But still, I make the list.

This year is drastically different. In spite of the usual list of “should do’s,” my priorities have shifted. As our nation grieves recent tragedies and with unrest in our own community, my personal “wants” quickly become irrelevant.

As I sat down to write this year’s list, I paused for a moment before writing, “OUR New Year’s Resolution,” followed by, “Happy, safe and thriving kids.”

Really, that’s all we need.

In a recent statewide youth health survey given in grades 6 through 12, the question was asked, “Do you agree or disagree that, in your community, you matter to people?”

Sagadahoc County youth data tells us that more than half of youths in our community do not feel that is the case. This is on par with statewide results.

This year, my resolution is to become part of a movement to make sure every child in our community can say without hesitation they feel supported by the adults in their community.

Whether it be a parent, a teacher, a coach or a neighbor, it is through this support that they will begin to define their role and importance within our society.

So where do we begin?

As a community, we need focused, widespread awareness of the needs of our youth. We need your engagement with not only your own children, but for the children of your friends and neighbors and even for those you do not know.

As a coalition, Communities Against Substance Abuse is committed to protecting the youth in our community in the following ways:

Parental support. We will emphasize the five parental monitoring tips — limit access, network, enforce rules, check in often, be up and ready — that can help teens stay safe and help prevent them from underage drinking and illicit drug use.

Frequent communication. Our parent Facebook page highlights relevant news stories that relate to parental concerns, underage drug use, resources and events in our community that encourage kids to make healthy rather than high-risk choices.

Monthly involvement. Each month our coalition convenes a monthly meeting of concerned citizens — law enforcement, schools, parents, community members — that discuss the pressing challenges facing our children and collaborate on solutions to help prevent underage substance use.

Stakeholder engagement. This January, we will be hosting a summit of community stakeholders including law enforcement, city councilors, town selectmen, school administrators, superintendents and other leaders who interact with youths. Led by the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University, the Most of Us conference will teach us how we can use positive norms that already exist within our community to improve health and safety.

Open conversation. Our free Table Talk program is available to parents who need a comfortable opportunity to communicate with each other.

As you set forth on this New Year, take the time to consider the more than 50 percent of youths who say they feel isolated. Can we count on you to help every young person in our community feel supported in 2013?

HEIDI TUCKER is the coordinator of Communities Against Substance Abuse. She is the parent of two children and she lives in Bath.