In March this year (2002) there is an important conference taking place in Rimini, Italy. It's the "Club Health 2002" conference. It's all about what we do here at RaveSafe, both on this web site and at our outreach projects at clubs and raves. Yes, we will be going to Italy to be share our knowledge and experiences and more importanly to learn from others. Our representative will even be presenting a formal paper there during one of the sessions. However, we need to do fundraising to send our delegate there, so if you would like to make a very welcome contribution, please do so in the link at the bottom on the page.

One important aspect of the Conference is going to be "The Rimini Declaration" which will set International Standards for Health Protection in Clubs. As you might know, we have been promoting the "Safe House" project (read about it here ) for a few years, and this is what the declaration is about. But it's much bigger, and hopefully clubs and rave & dance party organisers around the world will sit up and take notice.

The organisers of this conference have asked us to get input for the Declaration from as wide an audience as possible. So in the spirit of cyber democracy, we would like you to make a contribution to the RaveSafe submission. Please read through the following and then send us your suggestions in the link that follows this. From the organisers circular:

"Internationally, a number of different cities and regions have developed guidelines for protecting the health of individuals enjoying nightclubs. Most take into account the special mix of substance use, loud music and crowded environments found in clubs. Some also consider those employed in clubs and a few suggest health measures for larger out door events and illegal raves. However, with millions of people each year travelling between countries to experience new venues, sounds and climates, clubbing is now a truly international phenomenon. Unfortunately, health protection in and around clubs is not. So while clubs in some areas may provide simple measures such as areas to cool down, access to drinking water and staff with basic training, elsewhere such simple measures are absent.

As part of Club Health 2002 (in Rimini, Italy and supported by the World Health Organisation), we are planning to launch a declaration of the basic measures that should be available in clubs everywhere in order to protect the health of patrons and staff ... we would appreciate your contribution to this endeavour. Most importantly we would like your thoughts on what should be included in the declaration. Basic measures could cover chill out areas, training, door staff, work with emergency services, pill testing and other drug, alcohol and tobacco issues; basically whatever you feel most important to providing a fun environment for clubbing while minimising risks to health.

We do not expect the final declaration to be long or complicated but to contain only a few key health measures. However, we will also try to collate and circulate all other suggestions that people have sent. The draft declaration will be discussed on the final day of the Club Health 2002 conference and then circulated for final agreement to all those who have contributed materials or ideas. The declaration will bear the names and organisations of any individuals contributing to process who wish to be included."

If you would like to add to the RaveSafe submision, please complete the following screen and we will collate all the submission and take it to Rimini with us. Of course, we will keep you posted on our final submission. Please note that we need to have your submission by the end of February 2002.

• Please click here for the RaveSafe Rimini Declaration Submission Form
  
  
• Please click here to let us know if you can make an on-line donation to our Conference Fund. Funds are urgently needed!
  
  
• Here is the conference web site: www.clubhealth.org.uk