Start-up

Mobilize

The first step in the creation of a CCW site is the formation of a core group. This group of concerned students introduces the CCW concept to the college community. Each core group is responsible for the following:

• Beginning the CCW program
• Determining what problems or issues will be the initial focus of the program (Define a need)
• Determining the best methods to take advantage of opportunities or to deal with current problems
• Developing initial community service projects
• Keeping the program active and effectively promoting and publicizing the CCW to enlarge the program, expand the core group, and work toward involving the entire campus community

Consider requesting core members from other groups to serve on your CCW core group. Great candidates can be found among:

• Residential advisors
• Community service clubs, fraternities
• Greek system
• Student government
• ROTC
• Student judicial services, student mediators
• Social activists
• Career services
• Ethnic groups and coalitions
• Religious groups
• Victim advocacy groups
• Sexual assault awareness and prevention centers
• Drug and alcohol prevention groups
• Public health/nursing
• Academic departments or student clubs in:
• Criminal Justice
• Communications-information systems
• Public affairs
• American culture
• Women's studies
• Psychology
• Sociology

Define a need

The core group should discuss possible areas that the CCW can focus upon, and which program components would best address each problem.

The core group will lead different initiatives to achieve their goals. For example:

• Change campus norms by publicizing the voices of students who care about the welfare of the campus and the student body
• Unite potential campus partners such as student government and residential life coordinators to devise solutions to specific problems
• Highlight the community and campus resources available to students for health and safety
• Organize and participate in forums, dialogues and collaborative efforts to reduce violence, drugs, and crime
• Conduct Safety Orientations for new students, resident advisors, and parents
• Increase the availability of alcohol-free and drug-free social and recreational events for students
• Spread safety tips on personal and property protection through campus media outlets
• Provide training for interested groups on substance abuse, safety, self-defense, protection, and first aid
• Start a Campus Watch, a student patrol or safety escort service
• Design mentoring projects with local youth
• Raise money for victims of crime and violence

Ally with admin

Be sure to include administration from the beginning! Let them know that CCW is willing to work WITH the campus administration to form policies/initiatives that are beneficial to everyone on campus.

Administration may be able to help facilitate the formation of a core group as well. They may be able to recommend students who have been effective and knowledgeable in safety issues in the past, or may be able write letters to individuals who represent specific issues.

Potential allies in your campus administration:

• Public Safety
• Public Health
• Alcohol and Drug Counseling Services
• Rape and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
• Student Affairs
• Resident Life

Materials and services

The CCW Handbook -- a free, indispensable guide to CCW -- includes organizational tips, sample safety codes, and important crime prevention information for college students today. Download it now! (Or contact CCW for a copy.)

Check our resources page online regularly for new downloads.

We can also arrange fee-based training and physical campus safety surveys.