Policy on Alcohol and Substance Use

Revised Sept. 21, 2008

C*UUYAN is committed to providing intentionally drug- and alcohol-free community space for young adults. This arises out of both the nature of our community (including people under 21) as well as our commitment to creating safe community space for all. Official C*UUYAN conferences and events will therefore be drug- and alcohol free.

Recognizing that the settings where C*UUYAN events happen are not always themselves drug- and alcohol-free, the following policy was created to raise awareness of the time and money invested in the staff of these conferences, as well as their influence as leaders. Those elected and appointed leaders of C*UUYAN whose presence has been made possible by the support and (direct) financing of C*UUYAN are expected to:

• Adhere to local, state/province and federal laws regarding the purchasing, possession and consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances, including the misuse of prescription drugs.
• Refrain from the legal consumption of alcohol in all C*UUYAN spaces. C*UUYAN spaces are any spaces which have been partially or totally funded by the UUA or C*UUYAN for C*UUYAN purposes.
• Consume alcohol responsibly outside of C*UUYAN spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: choosing to abstain from alcohol, choosing designated drivers, refraining from alcohol consumption to a point where one’s leadership ability is impaired, maintaining the ability to respond to emergency situations as a leader, being aware of one’s own limitations, and respecting that our community includes those under legal age as well as those in recovery.
• Remove themselves from situations in which illegal or irresponsible consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances is taking place. Leaders are also expected to use discretion in reporting potentially unsafe situations.

It is expected that conference leaders follow these guidelines for the entirety of their conference, as well as immediately before and afterwards. Recognizing that they are representatives of C*UUYAN and can be perceived as such at all times, leaders should make responsible and accountable choices regarding boundaries, especially around controlled substances.

This policy was created to preserve the investment in C*UUYAN staff so that all aspects of their abilities may be utilized during conferences and meetings, and therefore applies only to official C*UUYAN events. This policy should not be used against a volunteer leader (staff member) who commits a legal infraction or shows poor judgment regarding drugs and alcohol outside of this community and its events.