[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          PARTY SMART PROGRAM

                                 ______


                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Florida 
delegation, I would like to take a moment to recognize the significant 
contribution of a major national alcohol education and awareness 
program called Party Smart. This program is a visible, effective 
commitment by the nonprofit organization, Beer Drinkers of America, to 
promote responsible alcohol consumption.
  The message of Party Smart is simple yet vital: If you make the adult 
decision to drink alcohol, do it responsibly and in moderation while 
still having a good time. By implementing education programs in 
cooperation with major spring break cities such as Daytona Beach, 
promoting the use of designated drivers, and sponsoring enjoyable 
nonalcohol events, Party Smart consistently has shown since its 
inception in 1988 that quality, objective, and positive alcohol 
education not only enhances people's lives, but helps save lives in the 
process.
  Why else would 89 percent of students surveyed during a recent spring 
break in Florida say ``partied smart?'' Why else would this results-
oriented program be supported by more than 800 colleges and 
universities, and more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies around the 
country?
  I'll tell you why--because it works.
  Party Smart works not because of what the participants are told about 
responsible behavior, but because of what they tell each other. Peers 
apply the real pressure to behave responsibly. Party Smart provides the 
framework, but the students and others who support this effort build 
the momentum and make it happen, through individual commitment and 
consistent reinforcement.
  But don't just take my word on it. Ask the community of Daytona 
Beach, FL, what they think of the Party Smart approach.
  In 1990, when Daytona Beach officials decided that they wanted their 
spring break guests to have a good time and be safe as well, Party 
Smart joined with civic and business leaders to develop a high profile 
campaign, complete with educational brochures, posters, and a variety 
of other materials. Party Smart also sponsored exciting, safe events 
like an intercollegiate sand sculpting contest.
  In 1992 and 1993, Party Smart continued its campaign in Daytona 
Beach, and will be there in force again this year. For two years 
running, the Party Smart project received a special commendation from 
the National Commission Against Drunk Driving.
  Party Smart is not, however, limited to spring break activities. The 
Party Smart Designated Driver and Fan Alcohol Awareness program has 
been used successfully by a number of major league baseball and 
national football league teams, at the Kentucky Derby, and by the U.S. 
Jaycees.
  This year, Party Smart continues doing what it does best--providing 
quality, privately-funded alcohol awareness information and promoting 
responsible drinking among those who choose to drink, as well as 
offering alternatives to those who decide not to drink. Beer Drinkers 
of America, with more than 750,000 members in all 50 states, is working 
through Party Smart to make this year's spring break memorable, 
enjoyable, and above all, safe.
  Mr. Speaker, Party Smart neither encourages nor discourages drinking. 
Rather, by targeting those who already have made the adult decision to 
consume alcohol, Party Smart encourages personal responsibility and 
moderation.
  Party Smart is positive, not preachy--and that, I believe, is the key 
to its continued success. The Party Smart model, a peer-driven, upbeat 
approach to quality education and programs, should not be an isolated 
effort, but rather one that should be encouraged, emulated and 
implemented by others.
  Party Smart not only deserves our support, but more importantly, it 
has earned our respect. Thank You.

                          ____________________