SHARE’s Tips for Renn Fayre
It’s almost that time of year once again! Whether this is your first Renn Fayre or your last, these are some tips to make your weekend more convenient and safe.
Below are some things that you may want to consider no matter what. But before we get into that, just remember, it’s always safest to navigate Renn Fayre in a group; go with friends, and plan to stick together especially as you go to or from places. Also, don’t forget that you have people and resources here to help who want you to reach out if you need them!
These resources are here for you:
White Bird medics in front of the Student Center are a confidential resource and can help with minor wounds, over-intoxication, and other medical and mental health concerns. They work with, but separate from, Community Safety, and can refer as needed. Find them in their tent, or notify a CSO or Night Owl to have one come to you. [x]
Night Owls will be at Renn Fayre. We are your peers and will have water, snacks, and supplies. We can connect you to other on-campus resources and will walk and talk with you to or from anywhere on campus. If you don’t see one of us for whatever reason, give us a text at 844-458-3067!
CSOs are not cops, and they are here to help you. Medical amnesty is still a thing during Renn Fayre, and the CSOs would rather see you safe than punish you. Call them at 503-788-6666 (a number you can also find on your student ID) or dial 6666 at a Blue Light phone. And important information to know: If a CSO is called for a medical or mental health emergency, they will defer to White Bird. Once at White Bird, they no longer have to be present, as White Bird services are protected by HIPPA.
Bagel Patrollers are your friends. They will bring you and your friends water and food and will give you non-emergency help or help you over to White Bird if you are feeling out of sorts.
Take advantage of these tips:
Make a plan!
What substances do you plan to ingest?
What is your limit on those substances?
How long do you plan to stay out?
Do you have a place you know you can sleep in?
Drink lots of water and eat lots of food. Food can help slow the absorption of alcohol and give you a bit of a safety buffer, and hydration is good all the time, especially in the heat. If you need snacks or water, tag Bagel Patrol, CSOs, or Night Owls.
Don’t bring people drinks, don’t spike people’s drinks, don’t take drinks away from people, and avoid punch bowls. Most people are spiked by someone they know and trust.
Every dorm, some academic buildings, the HCC, and all of the CSOs have Naloxone, an opiate overdose medication that can save someone’s life. If you administer Naloxone to a friend, they still need medical attention and you should still call a CSO.
Remember that you have medical amnesty! If you see someone you think is overdosing, CSOs carry and can administer Naloxone. Plus, someone at White Bird or a Night Owl can help as well.
If you want to get trained on recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to use Naloxone, make an appointment at the HCC.
If you need to get away from substances, Blue Lodge is substance-free and sensory-aware.
If you don’t want to have to haul things around campus or don’t have pockets, your mailbox is a great place to stash small items.
Have good close-toed shoes!
Have a charged phone/charging cord.
Wasn’t that fun! While we’ve got you here, let’s have a quick chat about consent–honorable, necessary, sexy, consent. A handy acronym to keep in your brain is that good consent is Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific, or FRIES! Expressing consent looks different for everybody, and both verbal and nonverbal cues matter! Asking, checking in, following up, and being open to rejection and change are the consent skills we need--and the skills that are more difficult to access and attune to when taking in substances. Intoxication of any kind is no excuse for sexual violence, and intoxication to the level of incapacitation voids consent entirely. With your peers and your intimates, be aware of how substances affect our consent practices. If you have an unwanted, violent, or otherwise uncomfortable experience, advocates at SHARE are here to provide support.
Most importantly, Reedies take care of Reedies. Intervene, even if it is awkward, even if it might turn out to be nothing (but not if it might put you in danger–in which case, call a CSO). Be willing to call for help, stick with people who look like they are having a bad time, help your friends, help people who aren’t your friends, and have fun!
Happy Renn Fayring,
SHARE