#OK2SAYNO (to booze)
A simple hashtag. A user-friendly, life-saving message creating massive social impact and social inclusion in the bush.
At Sober in the Country, we don't preach prohibition. We teach social inclusion.
With your help, we've spent a decade creating a new narrative and an outback in which the welfare of our mates is more important than the choice of drink in hand.
If you're a progressive thinker or leader, we'd love to invite you to share our #OK2SAYNO message, whether you're a non-drinker, a social-drinker, or somewhere between.
BREAKING NEWS: Soon, we're launching our official #OK2SAYNO workshop - designed to equip organisations with a decade of hard-earned knowledge on how to help be the change, step-by-step, with practical tools. To drop an expression of interest, message us anytime via admin@soberinthecountry.org
How you can help
We invite you, your team, your organisation, your event, your family, and your mates to help share the #OK2SAYNO message. We're asking you to help.
1. Simply share the #OK2SAYNO logo and our education, whether that's in real life, on your socials, or, wearing our merchandise. Don't forget to tag us and use the hashtags: #OK2SAYNO #SITC #SOBERINTHECOUNTRY #RURAL #MENTALHEALTH #BETHECHANGE
2. Share the reason for your support:
"We’re proud to get behind Sober in the Country and the #OK2SAYNO message – and we'll commit to always including and catering for our non-drinking mates, too. We stand behind the charity's work creating a better culture where it's always #OK2SAYNO to booze."
3. Always be sure you have sophisticated, sugar-free, thoughtful, tasty alcohol-free drink options available.
4. Tag us and help be part of the ripple effect.
When sharing the #OK2SAYNO message, logo, and good vibes on the socials, don't forget to tag our social media accounts:
- Instagram: @sober_in_the_country
- Facebook: @Sober in the Country Ltd
5. Grab some SITC merchandise!
Whether you're a drinker, a non-drinker, or a sometimes drinker, everyone is welcome to wear our merchandise, which is ultimately about showing support. Our range is here. Some of the best messaging happens when a community gets together before an event (like a rodeo or camp draft) and the committee grabs some merch and shares photos of locals rocking the #OK2SAYNO logo on trucker caps, tees or work shirts (and yes, it's fine for you to enjoy a drink while wearing our merch!).
Please don’t assume everyone at your event drinks alcohol or wants to drink nonstop. Remember, plenty of our mates enjoy one or two and like to switch to something healthy. Keeping a few decent alternatives to grog in your esky, board rooms, rec rooms, home, and events is a game-changer for rural communities. And it's SO easy to do.
Did you know that tasty, healthy, sugar-free, sophisticated drinks are a great way to demonstrate progressive leadership AND turn a profit at your bush event, too? We frequently hear from hosts that they quickly sell out of tasty alternatives. Even those who enjoy a drink or two are thrilled to see they can switch to something else tasty after they've enjoyed beer, wine, or spirits.
Our recommendations are to opt for a selection of zero-alc beer, wines, and spirits - but - also be sure to include an option like soda water with lemon or lime, or ETCH Sparkling for those who can’t drink ‘’imitation alcohol’’ (which can be a risky trigger zone for our mates who’ve battled addiction). Find out more here.
The best thing you can do to support a mate is let ''no mean “no” (the first time.) If somebody chooses not to drink, please don't bully ore pressure them. Just be a good mate and support that choice.
These simple actions can be a HUGE help in supporting and including your mates who are choosing to cut back or cut out booze.
Each year, for a week from the 22nd of February, we celebrate our #OK2SAYNO movement with a mental health awareness week that's a call-to-arms for the critical fundraising we need to keep going, and to keep growing.
Whether it's just you and your mates, you and your family, the whole mob at your workplace - or a community organisation - we invite you to take the #OK2SAYNO fundraiser, and a fun challenge.
1. Host a booze-free bash, event, or BBQ to celebrate, normalise and show support for our courageous mates choosing to cut back or opt out of alcohol altogether.
2. Donate a ''digital carton'' - or - the “equivalent” of your average BBQ alcoholic drinks budget to Sober in the Country via our donate page.
3. Take some epic photos and share them website and socials! And ... share why it matters for you to support this conversation, whether you are a drinker or a non-drinker. Chuck in the hashtags: #OK2SAYNO #OK2SAYNOCHALLENGE #OK2SAYNODAY #SITC #SOBERINTHECOUNTRY #RURAL #MENTALHEALTH #BETHECHANGE
Some of our supporters:
A huge thanks, as always, to those who've helped be part of previous years and fundraisers!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO NEXT?
