A comprehensive needs assessment is the critical first step a coalition or organization must take in order to develop an effective and successful underage drinking prevention effort. This guide details the elements of a needs assessment. Beginning with data, the booklet walks the reader through the process organizations must follow to obtain all the information they will need to determine the exact causes of underage drinking and the appropriate solutions to those problems. To make the process easier, this booklet includes a sample data checklist that communities can use to determine what types of data are currently available and what data the community believes they will need to be effective in the future. Sample surveys are also available along with instructions for conducting a focus or discussion group with key members of the community. In addition, this booklet describes the other needed elements including a review of current laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing underage drinking and a review of what is currently occurring in a community with respect to underage drinking prevention. Sample questionnaires in the areas of prevention, education, enforcement and media are included. (GCP)