University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ at Boulder Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Ron Stump announced that Peggy Bonner has been elected to chair the university's new Women and Alcohol Resources committee.
According to Stump, the committee was begun as a sub-group of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder's Standing Committee on Substance Abuse and has been expanded to address the issues of women and alcohol on campus and in the community of Boulder. "Objectives of the group include education about the effects of alcohol on women and the reduction of irresponsible advertising, which exploits and degrades women," said Stump.
Bonner currently serves as program director for ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder's A Matter of Degree program, which addresses issues related to high-risk drinking on campus and in the community. The program is funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Prior to her role with A Matter of Degree, Bonner was with the university's housing administration.
"A lot of women on campus are still unaware of the impacts that alcohol can have on them," said Bonner. "Our awareness program will address issues such as the effects alcohol has on female metabolic rates, fertility, cancer and other health issues, through email messages and a presentation which is being developed now."
The committee also is working with Boulder's liquor licensing authority, community retailers and ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder's student union to develop a list of responsible bar owners, relative to the use of women in promotional advertising. Tracking of irresponsible promotional ads has been an ongoing practice of the group.
Representatives of the committee from ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder include housing, Wardenburg Student Health Center, Victim's Assistance program, the student union and the program A Matter of Degree. The Boulder Police Department and area merchants also are represented.
The Women and Alcohol committee meets the last Wednesday of every month at LaIguana Taqueria on the Hill in Boulder. For additional information, contact Peggy Bonner at (303) 735-5218, or by email at peggy.bonner@colorado.edu.