DCU's Slinky Soc is sober but never dull

Making January a ‘dry’ month has become one of many people’s go-to resolutions in recent times. For members of DCU’s Slinky Soc, going alcohol free is the norm. 

The group is anything but sober in the dull sense of the word, however. It’s a society with a quirky yet laid-back ethos that aims to provide a welcoming alcohol-free space. “I usually just tell people, it's really just a silly society,” says Iara Moreira, the chairperson of Slinky Soc, who came up with the idea of giving every new member a free slinky toy. 

Iara, a Multimedia student, had heard about DCU’s no longer active Sober Soc and reckoned there was still a need for social activities where alcohol didn’t play a part. The group is open to all, and some members do drink occasionally, but simply prefer to socialise in a sober setting. “Slinky Soc isn't just for people who are sober. It’s for anyone who wants to join.”

We meet the group at one of their regular gatherings in Drumcondra’s ‘Ultimate Coffee’. It’s a laid-back come-when-you-can event. Slinky gatherings are usually at lunchtime, which makes it ‘commuter-friendly’ for students who may be facing a long trek home in the evening. 

Among those attending is Deva Nolan, a Humanities student. She is an occasional drinker, but feels the social life of students can sometimes be too focused on alcohol. She loves the inclusive sense of community in the group. “It's, like, a family, you know what I mean?
We're all very familiar with each other, it's just meeting up with friends.”

Another Humanities student, Darja Mjasojedok is the group’s newest member. “I literally just joined yesterday,” she laughs. “I was like, Slinky Soc, that sounds like fun.”

Along with other members we met, she liked the idea of having a relaxed and informal way to get involved in activities and meet new people. “It’s a little like a third space in a way.”

Ashleigh Carroll, the society’s Events Manager, is tasked with leading the organisation of the group’s “silly, unserious” activities, like their recent Murder Mystery at Halloween. Next up, they are organising a lunchtime game of Traitors. 

Ashleigh says they make it easy for students to turn up on the day for “events that are just a bit of fun that don't require planning ahead.”

For Valentine's Day, they’ll be holding a ‘Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction’. The contestants putting themselves up for auction are hoping for a fierce bidding war as the game is all in aid of Motor Neuron Disease research. 

The group’s biggest event to date will be the upcoming Sober Ball, which will take place in the Venue in the U building. The party aims to tick nearly all the boxes for such an event, from the catwalk-worthy outfits to the obligatory DJ set. But instead of alcohol, the bar will serve mocktails and other soft drinks for the night. The Ball will also raise funds for Cuan Mhuire, the addiction treatment charity. 

The members are already planning their outfits. “Ball gowns, yes. One hundred per cent,” says Darja. “I needed something like this, just like an excuse to hang out with friends, listen to music, get dressed up.”

“I have my debs dress ready, waiting for me in the wardrobe!” says Deva.

There’s a busy year ahead for the Society, which seems to reflect the energetic and independent spirit of its founder. As well as her studies, Iara is a student ambassador and also works as a children's party entertainer, where she does balloon models and face painting.

Asked for her pitch to new members, she says: “If you're looking for something not too serious, join us. What other society has a professional balloon modeller as a chairperson?”