The Eckerd Lava Lamp
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What's the lava lamp all about?
The lava lamp is a symbol that Eckerd community members look out for each other. It represents a calm mindset and environment. Lava lamps can be present in a space without being flashy or distracting. They are always quietly working in the background. Bystander intervention can work the same way.
We can always keep an eye out for people who may need support or someone to step up and have their back. Offering support can be done subtly and warmly, like the lava lamp, and will always be appreciated. Checking in with others and looking out for each other day-to-day helps build and strengthen our community.
Like the lava lamp, you can contribute to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome.
Whether you're looking for information or support around consent and healthy relationships, mental health, inclusivity and belonging, alcohol and drug safety, or something else, we've got you covered! Contact prevention@eckerd.edu to get connected.
Step Up
If something seems off, you can make a difference just by checking in with people. Remember the four "D"s to offer support in a way that is safe and feels right for you.
Direct: Directly confront a situation. Ask if every is okay or state that you are uncomfortable with the situation. Try not to escalate things, but remain calm and clear. Be aware that direct intervention is not always safe and consider incorporating one of the other strategies.
Delegate: Get someone else to help. This could be someone in a position of authority (e.g. RAs, EC-ERT, campus safety) or people who know the parties involved better than you do. It's almost always a good idea to get others to help so you aren't intervening alone.
Distract: Be creative and cause a distraction. This could be anything that deescalates or interrupts the situation. You can create an opening for someone else to check in with a person being harmed or a person potentially causing harm.
Double Back: However you intervene, it's a good idea to check in with someone afterward to see how they are doing, if possible. This could look like reaching out the next day to talk or offering resources like S.O.S. and Advocacy. Sometimes, we don't realize until after the fact that something was off and wish we had intervened. It's never too late to double back by checking in with someone and letting them know you care.
Get Involved
Workshops
Stand up, don't stand by. Request a bystander intervention workshop for your group or class to develop the skills to intervene thoughtfully and safely while building a stronger community through intentional conversation and meaningful support. Contact prevention@eckerd.edu.
Volunteer for the ECOS Lava Lamp Bystander Intervention Initiative
ECOS is seeking volunteers to attend amplified sound events and embody the philosophy behind the lava lamp by checking in with other students throughout the event and offering support or connections to resources as needed. Volunteers are expected to remain sober during the event and commit to working once a month. Lava lamp bystanders will receive training sessions throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more, contact Andrew Miller, ECOS Director of Health and Wellness at ajmiller@eckerd.edu or sign up through this google form.
Display a Poster
Contact prevention@eckerd.edu to request any of the following posters for your dorm or office.
Bring the Lava Lamp to Your Next Event
On-campus Resources
Advocacy and Prevention Services:
Phone: 727.864.8907
Email: advocacy-prevention@eckerd.edu
Student Outreach and Support:
Phone: 727.864.8904
Email: outreach@eckerd.edu
Counseling Services:
Phone: 727.864.8248
Email: counseling@eckerd.edu
Community Standards:
Phone: 727.864.8989
Email: communitystandards@eckerd.edu
Title IX Office:
Phone: 727.864.7810
Email: ec-titleix@eckerd.edu
Office of Inclusive Excellence:
Phone: 727-864-8815
Email: garciabc@eckerd.edu
Immediate Help
EC-ERT: 727.772.3760
Campus Safety: 727.864.8260
Alcohol & Drug Support
Substance use affects people from all walks of life and those within their support systems. You can find additional information and resources on alcohol and drug use on Eckerd's educational resource page.
Additional Resources
Suncoast Sexual Assault Services 24-hour helpline: 727.530.7273
CASA (domestic & dating violence support in Pinellas County) 24-hour support: 727.895.4912
Resources for Parents
The College Parents Matter website provides helpful tools and talking points for important conversations with your student. As your student navigates college life independently and with the support of staff, faculty, and peers at Eckerd, parents and family play an important role in making space for thoughtful discussions supported by relevant information. Take time to talk with your student about topics such as cannabis, impaired driving, adjusting to life with a roommate, sexual violence, and more.
Contact prevention@eckerd.edu to reach Eckerd's Prevention Workgroup or advocacy-prevention@eckerd.edu for confidential support.