The number of sexual assaults on campus was a concern. The goal was to empower our residents with both knowledge and understanding the importance of assertiveness.

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We used the first floor lobby and converted it into a lounge- like atmosphere. The lights were dimmed, there were floor lamps, colorful wall hangings draped over the couches, and paintings propped up against the windows and a rug on the floor for residents to sit on. In the corner by the fireplace, we set up a table with ice cream for floats and had various soda cans available, lining the mantle to give a ‘bar’ setting. In the adjacent corner, there was a projection screen, surrounded by all the couches and furniture in a ‘movie theater’ way. We had a playlist of party songs playing to draw people in. Throughout the week, ‘party fliers’ were placed on every wing door and solo cups hung from the ceiling as a decorative fringe. Once the program started, Kelsey from S.H.A.P.E. discussed STDs through a game that involved egg shells with descriptions of various STDs in them and having volunteers demonstrate how to make a dental dam and a condom on a banana. She educated the girls on safe sex, while encouraging abstinence and if not that, at least a knowledge of how to take care of themselves. After that, Mary Todd, from the Women’s Center, sat down with the residents and had a long and engaging conversation with them ranging from everything about self-worth and receiving affirmation as children, to why certain girls are ‘looking for men’ and discussing the difference between vulnerable and assertive women. She made several points about being an empowered, strong woman, which resonated with the women of Ford. She had a discussion with the residents about date rape and sexual assault. The girls participated in the discussion and asked questions. Mary Todd then showed a seven minute interview/reenactment of a frat member of another university openly discussing how he targeted and sexually assaulted freshmen girls. At the closing of the program, we had the girls check the bottoms of their drinks for an ‘X’ which we marked on every fourth drink to demonstrate the concept of ‘1 in 4’ women being sexually assaulted by the time they graduate college. Party’n 101 (safe) certainly fulfilled the need in this community by covering multiple aspects of safe sex, STDs, date rape, and common sense and had a satisfying turnout of 48 residents including 11 RAMAs.

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We wanted to equip the ladies of Ford with the knowledge of how to take care of themselves concerning Safe-Sex, STD's, Party'n, Date Rape, and looking out for each other. Our hopes were to open their eyes to the dangers they might not have percieved upon first getting to Manhattan. Right now, everyone's a stranger and the girls need to be safe and look out for each other. We hoped by opening this program up to the entire hall, we would reach a greater audience and allow for the message to spread further across the residence hall, especially by word of mouth of the women who attended as they speak to their friends, roommates, classmates, etc. The sheer amount of women in attendance was very encouraging and we feel that our expectations and hopes were fully realized.

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Both the speakers were fantastic and knew their subject and met the girls on their level. They were able to take dark, heavy subjects and talk about them in a practical, realistic, and light-hearted manner. They made it a very comfortable and mellow atmosphere. Also, there was a strong community aspect among the 48 women. There was also incredibly strong support from the rest of the RAMA staff. At the very end of the program, girls were encouraged to take back some information and pamphlets were left on all the tables throughout the lobby to be available to those who come across them in the coming weeks and keep the spirit of the program alive.

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While walking around the hall ways of Ford, I'll tell you my friend, they never get bored. Girls know how to party and that is a fact, But scary things happen when forced in the sack. We gave them some soda and ice-cream floats too And instructed them all on what they could do, Like making a rubber stretch over a fruit And giving the slimy old skeezeball the boot. SHAPE came in and told them of blisters That occur on your privates when bumping with misters. Mary Todd took the stage and brought down the house. She was frank on the topic of losing your blouse. Wolves in sheep's clothing should never be trusted. Those romantic dimly-lit bar myths were busted. At the end of the night, our community strong, We thanked our speakers and said 'so long'. From here on out, our women are smarter, No one here's going to be the next martyr. Presented light-heartedly on a truth that is lurking, Just like this poem, no doubt you're now smirking.

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Any campus community could benefit from this program. All that is needed is an open and inviting atmosphere, a few experts on the topic, ice-cream floats, over the top advertising, and enthusiam from the organizers.

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