Why wait for your school or parents to organize activities for you and your friends? Show adults that you are responsible and take the lead yourself. Organizing a substance-free party is a great idea, one that you shouldn’t have a hard time selling to your friends, parents or teachers. Here are a few tips on getting started:
- Start Early – Get a jump on the planning as soon as possible in the school year. Gather a small, but diverse group of student planners to help you work out the details. Its best to include at least one or two members from key support group’s teachers, parents, law enforcement and even local businesses that can help you plan and assist with resources.
- Develop a Plan – Make an agenda for the first meeting. Include topics to figure out how many committees you may need and who will participate, how much money you will need to raise through donations, fundraisers and ticket sales and how to spread the word.
- Choose a Chairperson – This should be someone who has the time and expertise to take the lead in planning the party. It may be a good idea to enlist class leaders or your student government. Chairing is a big job and it's not always easy. The good news is that it’s also rewarding. Just think of all of the new people you’ll meet! Plus, you’ll be playing a role in saving lives, which is more important than all of the headaches that come from being the boss.
- Set the Hours – Decide when the party will begin and end. It is important that your party lasts late into the night. Often when events end while people still want to party, a few might be tempted to continue celebrating in ways that are not safe.
