We are The Florida Center for Prevention Research, and one of our specialties is conducting social norm initiatives... such as The Real Project.

Social Norms is one of many of Florida State University’s Healthy Campus 2010 alcohol abuse prevention programs. FSU and its campus and community partners have developed a model of integrated strategies (individual, campus-based and community based) which are designed to create and support a low-risk environment. Since 2004, the FSU model has proven its ability to promote positive norms, reduce harmful misperceptions, increase protective behaviors and reduce or hold constant the rates of alcohol consumption.
How does social norming, in particular, work? Simply put, social norms seeks to correct misperceptions about student alcohol use, which usually involve overestimates. Once identified, we provide factual information in order to promote healthy, protective behaviors that accurately reflect what’s really going in a population, or the “norm.” When it’s done right, it’s based on evidence, driven by real data.

The Real Project has used social norms to combat alcohol abuse amongst Florida State University students, but social norms have also been used in tobacco prevention, seat-belt use, sexual assault prevention and academic performance in many universities, high schools, communities and organizations. We do it, simply put, because it works.