The National Social Norms Institute (www.socialnorms.org) opened its doors in 2006 at the University of Virginia, a nationally renowned public institution. The Institute’s origins began in 2000 with the establishment of the National Social Norms Resource Center at Northern Illinois University.

Since moving to UVA, the mission expanded to include research, evaluation, and dissemination of information on the social norms approach to the field. Our goals are to demonstrate and facilitate the extension of the methodology to a variety of health issues and populations.

NSNI currently works with nine grantee schools to maintain an aggregate database using the American College Health Association (ACHA) National College Health Assessment. This data set is used to conduct ongoing research and analysis related to program effectiveness.

NSNI’s main focus areas are:

• Research: NSNI conducts research to advance the understanding of normative influences and improve the effectiveness of the social norms approach.
• Resources: NSNI consults with colleges, universities, and community and state agencies to assist their efforts in creating and evaluating social norms programs.
• Education: NSNI presents the social norms approach at national and regional meetings, colleges and universities, community organizations and high schools.

NSNI offers a wide range of services, including individual and group consultations, keynote presentations, review of social norms media, and in-person training sessions on the social norms approach.

The National Social Norms Institute is made possible through a generous gift from the Anheuser Busch companies and its charitable foundation.