A constructive alternative to the senseless, selfish consumerism known as prom?

Question

I am a high school senior and I want to organise an alternative prom for my school. But I don't know if it would work. What do you think?

We (students, and someone to supervise) would go do yardwork for someone who couldn't do it, or volunteer at a soup kitchen or something. Then we would have a simple dance (that is, no dj or formal attire) where everyone would pay $5 admission, and that money would go to charity. People could bring their favourite cds and a snack to share. And a trusted staff member would collect further donations... if someone will spend $200 on themselves for prom, maybe they'd be willing to donate $50 or more to help others in need? All of the money would go to charity, and we would still have a really great time. Plus there would be no stress about looking good or getting drunk.

I think that the administration will love this (I go to a Catholic school, and we already do volunteer work) but I think that no one will go. So do you have any advice? Thank you!!!

To answer your question, promdressshop1, I want to give up prom for a variety of reasons. The first is that I find it absurd to spend so much money on a dress and limo when a lot of people don’t even have a meal or a place to live. The second is that I sincerely hope that prom is not the pinnacle experience of my life… I intend to do a lot more than high school with my life. That’s not to say that you are wrong; I’m sure that you had a grand time. I just hate dressing up, and I can have a lot more fun with my friends when we’re all doing something to improve the community. There is a tomorrow, after all, and somebody’s got to work on it. Who better than the people who will be living in it for the next seventy-odd years?

Answer 1

Awesome! Get local merchants to donate door prizes. Also make sure the school admin knows all about it because it deserves a section in the yearbook.

Answer 2

I've given this some thought, and while I was fixing lunch, something occurred to me -- get your local media involved as quickly as possible. Make sure that the TV stations and newspapers do interviews with the participants. Put a terrific spin on the story, be enthusiastic, and show just how much fun your alternative prom is going to be. Pass out fliers at local businesses, and put up posters all over town.

The person above me had a great idea about getting merchants to donate door prizes. The idea is to have fun and help others, but people do like to get rewarded for their good deeds. Maybe a restaurant would donate food or give reduced rates for an "after the prom" meal -- no alcohol, of course, which would make parents happy.

And have a "king and queen" contest, too, where people could vote for the grungiest, hardest working people. Make a silly crown out of recycled material, and have fun with the whole idea of an alternative prom.

Good luck with such a wonderful project, and God bless!

Answer 3

Sounds like a great idea. Very creative and innovative. You have an excellent future ahead of you because you are already thinking "outside the box" and applying critical thinking skills.

If you can make the event fun and meaningful, you will get people to participate. Something that touches you or your classmates directly. Examples: a Buddy Walk for Down's Syndrome or do something with Special Olympics athletes. If you or any of your classmates have a family member with these conditions, it becomes more meaningful. Contact your local fire department and police department as they often support such charities and will likely want to get on board for something that will keep kids safe on prom night. Maybe you could do something for the fire department or the police department (Wash their cars?). A lot of police departments are involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics so they are ready to help there. Also, the police department might have funds or grant money for a prom night safety campaign. Contact local businesses for sponsorships, buy ads or donate auction or raffle items. Get your parents involved--I would think many of them share your disdain for spending hundreds of dollars on prom. Get the most popular kids--football team, cheerleaders, whatever--on board and other kids will follow.

A few weeks ago, a dance group in my town pumped gas and washed windows for tips. Everyone does car washes and Krispy Kremes so this was so unique. I tipped them $10 for their efforts.

Answer 4

HI Candian: well you are doing just great so far only thing needed
is supplies! yes I think that youth support groups an good idea maybe this will keep our children off streets, drugs, and gangs
because like us we were once kids too about long time ago.Ok
this type called "Operation Second Chance" an christain charter services that has more people whom can coach teenagers

Answer 5

Prom was one of the funnest days of my life. Why would you want to give that up? When else do you get to dress up fancy. Have a great dinner with your date and/or friends and dance all night like there is no tomorrow?

Answer 6

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