Celebrate Safe

Pillars

Read the 9 pillars for Celebrating Safe. 

• Respect each other’s beliefs and differences

  There is no room on the dance floor for derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions, any form of intimidation, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia and transphobia or other targeted comments or expressions. Value and respect all people and feel responsible for creating a safe place for everyone.

• I love my ears

  A party without music is not a party. Because you want to enjoy your favorite music for as long as possible, it is wise to be careful with your ears. Wear earplugs. If you buy earplugs with music filters, you will still hear the music in good quality, you will protect your hearing and you can still communicate with your friends. Keep your distance from the speakers and give your ears some rest every now and then. Find a quiet place and give your ears a break from the loud music. For more information about this, visit ilovemyears.nl.

• Using alcohol or other drugs is never without risks

  The use of alcohol and other drugs is never without risks. It makes no difference whether you are doing it for the first time or have done it many times before. Each drug has a different effect. Its effect depends on what you take, where you take it, how much you take and how your body reacts to it. Do you still want to use something? Inform yourself in advance, don't just believe your friends or acquaintances just 'because things always go well for them'. Visit the Unity information stand at an event or the Unity website for correct and up-to-date information about alcohol and other drugs. Have your drugs tested in advance at one of the various testing locations in the country. This can be done anonymously and is often free or only costs a few euros. 

  Don't forget that hard drugs are illegal in the Netherlands. Most entertainment venues or events have a zero tolerance policy. You are not allowed to be in possession of drugs there. You may be handed over to the police if you are found to have drugs in your pocket. Always check the house rules of the event you are going to in advance so that you know exactly what is and is not allowed.

• Know your limits and respect those of others

  Know what you want and especially what you don't want. Stick to that, on every level. Don't be persuaded. Don't stay longer if you don't feel the need to. Don't get in the car with someone who is under the influence. Don't kiss or have sex with someone if you don't feel like it. If it doesn't feel good to use drugs when your friends do, then don't do it. And the same applies the other way around. Just as you have boundaries, so does someone else. So don't try to convince someone to do something against their will. Respect your own boundaries and those of others.

• Enjoy safe sex without regrets

  At a party it can be great to flirt and joke in addition to dancing. But avoid regrets afterwards. Be careful, don't just go home with someone, don't do things you would rather not do. Use contraception to prevent pregnancies and specifically condoms because they also protect you against STDs. And very important: always check whether there is consent from the other person and respect that.

• Love your body

  Think about what you wear depending on the weather or whether the event is at an indoor or outdoor location. Make sure you wear sunscreen when the sun is out. Wear nice shoes. Taking a break from partying every now and then is necessary, even if it seems like you have endless energy. Go to a quiet spot at the event to chill, eat and drink. Even if you feel good, a break is a good idea. Afterwards it is important that you recharge by sleeping. Take good care of yourself the 'day after'. Give your body time to recover.

• Get home safe

  Even if you think you are fit enough to drive after taking alcohol or other drugs, you are not. Although you may not feel it, you really react less quickly under the influence than when you are sober. Fatigue has the same effect. Therefore, think in advance about how you will get to the event and back home. Do you cycle, drive yourself, take public transport or a taxi? Or are you riding with friends? Agree in advance who the bob is. Only get in if your driver is sober and speak to each other about this.

• Take care of each other

  Be kind to the people around you. If you see someone being harassed, ask, "Are you okay?" And help this person to a quieter place or friends or ask for help from the crew. For more information about sexually inappropriate behavior, check benjeoke.nl. Do you see that someone is not feeling well? Walk along to the first aid or speak to someone from the crew for help if necessary. If everyone pays attention to each other, everyone has a chance of an amazing party.

• The crew will keep you safe

  The crew of the event or club is there for your safety. Are you not feeling well or do you see that someone else is not doing well? Go to the first aid or ask someone from the organization or crew to call the first aid. Everything discussed with medical staff is confidential and will not be shared with third parties. So you can freely tell what happened or what you drank or took. In that case they can help you better. Are you or someone being harassed, is there an argument? Then warn the security or crew. They can address a difficult visitor or kick someone out. Even though security or staff may sometimes look strict or busy, they are there to help you.