Adults are invited to a high school party Wednesday night...a staged party.
For the first time, there will be 18 "reality" parties held across the state through Oklahoma Area Prevention Centers to give insight to parents of a typical high school party scene with underage drinking. The backstory of these parties is to "expose" underage drinking culture.
Norman Addiction Information and Counseling, 215 W. Linn St., is hosting Norman's party, which consists of a 25-minute group tour through a local home. Members of the Norman High School drama department will act out the party scene, complete with beer pong.
A discussion with community leaders, city officials and law enforcement will follow, along with refreshments. The entire event lasts about 45 minutes.
Parents will be divided into groups for the tour, which will operate on shifts with the first beginning at 5 p.m.
"There's a lot of underage drinking going on in Norman, just as much as in any other community, and we need to address it," said Janice Wilson, director of Norman's Area Prevention Resource Center and coordinator of Norman's reality party.
Norman has formed a Social Host Ordinance, which charges parents for underage drinking at their home. Wilson said this is one prevention method to underage drinking, and 78 other communities in Oklahoma have adopted a Social Host Ordinance.
Prior to the event, Wilson said focus groups comprised of middle school-age students were held, and the students spoke freely about their concerns with underage drinking and need to change this societal norm.
According to a press release, in the 2008 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment, 66 percent of 12th graders said they had obtained alcohol from someone over the age of 21, and 85 percent of these students reported drinking alcohol at a friend's house.
Wilson said members of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health adapted the idea for a reality party in Oklahoma after hearing it mentioned at a conference.
Those interested in the event should pre-register by calling the NAIC at 321-0022.
There is a limited number allowed in a tour group, so space is limited.
To prevent those without a reservation from showing up unannounced, Wilson said the location will be withheld until registration.
Nanette Light 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com
Fast Facts:
What: Reality Party
When: Wednesday 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Location to be disclosed upon registration. Call 405-321-0022 to register.
Why: To give insight into the ongoings of a typical high school party.
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