Safe Date Tailgate brings awareness to tailgaters

The party atmosphere and a sea of purple and gold is a typical scene for University of Northern Iowa tailgating, but tailgating brings a whole new meaning when the women’s and gender studies department is involved.

The women’s and gender studies department teamed up with local churches, the athletic department and University Book and Supply to educate students on safe dating while they tailgated for homecoming. 

The Safe Date Tailgaters had free pulled pork sandwiches and soda to attract students to their tailgate while giving out important safety tips in a fun and exciting way.

The north parking lot was packed with students tailgating which allowed the people involved with Safe Date Tailgate to inform a large amount of people.

“The purpose of having the event is to present safe dating tips in a more positive way rather than giving out negative statistics,” said Phyllis Baker, a director and professor of women’s and gender studies.

This is the fourth year for the Safe Date Tailgate event.

Students who were involved in the tailgate put a lot of hard work into making the tailgate a success.  Students set up a table advertising the event in Maucker Union, made and handed out flyers, collected donations and handed out safe date tips to students before the event.

Baker commented on one of her favorite things about the tailgate. 

“There is nothing better at homecoming than seeing our T-shirts in the crowd at the football game,” she said.

A number of tips about safe dating were given out at the tailgate, including being respectful to one another, asking permission to do things, treating one another nicely and good communication.

According to Baker, a really good date is when permission is asked, people are having fun and people are being respectful. 

The tailgate brings people together who are not normally together for such a cause.

“It just warms my heart having the athletes there with the women’s and gender studies graduate students,” Baker said.  “I think it is just awesome.”

Safe Date Tailgate could increase the visibility of the women’s and gender studies program. It’s possible students will not only learn important tips about safe dating but be informed on who they can go to if they need help and advice on important issues. 

“I think Safe Date Tailgate is a great way to provide helpful information on safe dating in a fun environment,” said Bethany Hayes, a UNI student tailgater.

University Book and Supply donated $50 gift certificates for the cause to be given out to tailgating students.  A raffle granted three students the chance to win the gift cards.

Students can contact the women’s and gender studies department or Mark Rowe, the Abuse and Violence Intervention Services Coordinator for more information on safe dating.


 

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