2001 Outreach Activities
March 7th (winter quarter):
- Safe Spring Break outreach: Safe Spring Break is a great opportunity for the University to get the students ready for all the fun of spring break while encouraging them to make positive choices for their own health as well as the safety of their friends. Through the promotion of safe driving and sober driving, abstinence and responsible use of alcohol, the committee hopes to reduce the number of injuries among students during the break.
April 5th (Spring quarter):
- Alcohol Screening Day: National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) takes place in April and is an annual outreach, education and screening program that raises awareness about alcohol use and alcohol use disorders. Persons who visit the anonymous screening can assess their alcohol use and learn about the full range of drinking problems as well as what to do and where to go if they need help.
October (fall quarter):
OKSOBERFEST Day at California State University, Bakersfield Antelope Valley Center October 18th. The event was to support students who choose not to drink, promote drinking safety for those who do drink and are of legal age, and to show that there are nonalcoholic ways to have fun. The activity included the BYOB booklet, flyers, and referral sources.
Alcohol Awareness week 22nd -26th: The weeklong event was to support students who choose not to drink, promote drinking safety for those who do drink and are of legal age, and to show that there are nonalcoholic ways to have fun. The weeklong event included the following:
- Monday October 22: GrubFest and Rally: A free nonalcoholic BBQ and rally was the kickoff event to a week of events. The Rally started with some statistics and information regarding the effects of drinking. Each table at the BBQ had table tents with interesting statistics to catch student´s eyes. Students attending the rally were given a packet of information on drinking safety: what is normal/what is not, binge drinking, promotional items, red ribbons to wear; and each was given a red ribbon to tie around a tree or pole on campus. After the rally, students were invited to have some free food and mingle with other students. This sent a positive message about having fun without alcohol.
- Tuesday October 23: "Not Just Another Dumb Lecture On Alcohol" by Sheri Oliver, M.S., MFCC. This speaker uses a dynamic, interactive presentation to create awareness about alcohol and the effects it can have on someone, especially college students. This activity was used as a means to create an awareness of alcohol issues, while making it enjoyable and entertaining to students. Issues like binge drinking, effects on schoolwork, effects of the family, abuse and signs of use were presented.
- Wednesday October 24: How Visually Impaired Are You? A "Drunk Driving"
course was set up to show students how alcohol can impair your senses.
Fatal alcohol goggles were the method used to show students the effect
alcohol has on them at a .10 level. The goggles actually simulate what
alcohol can do to a person at these levels. The committee set-up various
"check points" for students to try and see how alcohol affects them.
These included:
- Walking the line: a standard heel to toe, arms at the side, walk a straight line, taking nine steps, turning around and taking nine more steps.
- Touch an Object: This entailed holding a slim object, like a key, pencil or pen, in front of the participant´s face. They were then instructed to touch the tip of the object with their index finger, alternating between the two hands.
- Pick up Objects: Keys were tossed on the floor and the participant was asked to pick them up.
- Maneuver a Course: A tricycle was provided and participants were asked to maneuver the tricycle through a course.
These activities allowed us the opportunity to show how alcohol can affect one´s sense, coordination, and ability to think clearly. It also allowed us to demonstrate that although they felt okay, once they tried the activities, they were not able to conduct them. This allowed us to show how alcohol creates a false confidence as well. Informational flyers on alcohol and its effects were available to all students and given to each student who participated. The courses were set up in two locations for the day. Another item given to students was the Designated Driver Cards. The Alcohol/Drug Education Committee contacted local establishments in the community that agreed that upon showing the designated driver cards, students would be able to receive free nonalcoholic drinks in their establishments.
- Thursday October 25: A Day of Reflection: This was a day to reflect about alcohol and how it has touched our lives. Students, faculty and staff were invited to attend and tell their personal stories about how alcohol has touched their lives. A memorial wall was constructed to allow students to express their feelings about the day and alcohol. One student brought a photo album and video of the daughter she lost to a drunk driver making this a powerful day for all those who attended.
- Friday October 26: The Drinks Are On Us!: To end the week on an educational, positive and fun note, we sponsored a day of free nonalcoholic smoothies. The BYOB booklet (Booklet for Your Options on Booze) was available to students with the recipes of these and many other smoothies. This allowed students to taste these drinks and have fun with each other. Again, stressing the message that you can have fun without alcohol.