5th Anniversary of CARE
During November, 2001 a team of campus and community leaders representing Texas A&M University participated in The American Campus and Alcohol Regional Conference at Trinity University. The TAMU group included students, representatives of the University's Alcohol and Drug Education and Student Activities programs, as well as University Police Department, College Station Police Department, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and local alcohol retailers.
The conference goal centered on an action plan for campus and community leaders to address alcohol use, abuse, and addiction. When the conference concluded, the participants had a working name – Coalition on Alcohol Responsibility and Education, or CARE – and a mission statement (read it on our home page).
Since that conference CARE's board and participating members have met regularly and expanded to include community resources such as the area school districts, all branches of law enforcement in the cities and surrounding counties, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Rape Crisis Center, BVCASA (Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse), and others.
CARE contributors share resources and information germane to educating citizens and creating public forums, services and activities directed at the common community problems facing the people of the Brazos Valley related to the use of alcohol.
Examples of achievements by CARE:
- Changing a local retail marketing campaign of "College Keg Night."
- Dispensing public service announcements to media during heightened problem periods, such as graduation, holidays, spring break, etc.
- Lending volunteer time and resources to various events like Texas A&M's Safe Spring Break initiative and local high school educational programs.
- Participating in conferences and other forums such as those put on by BVCASA and other groups.
- Reinforcing legal and ethical guidelines for retail advertising in a University-dominated market that heightens under-age drinking issues.
CARE is proud to approach its fifth anniversary as a viable entity in the Brazos Valley in taking preventative measures to make it a safer, more aware community in matters of responsible behavior in the distribution, sales, serving and use of alcohol.
We would love for you to join us in this coalition and mission.