FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER
DECISIONS Make Your School Safer INSIDE 2
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & STUDENT OF THE YEAR
3 SADD ON CAPITOL HILL 4
SADD BACKPACK
6 2007 SADD NATIONAL CONFERENCE 8 2007 SADD NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS 9
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SADD NATIONAL 2007-2008 STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
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CHAPTER CHATTER
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SADD CALENDAR
SPECIAL FOLD-OUT: SADD PARTNERSHIPS
Students Can Foster an Atmosphere That Does Not Tolerate Aggressive or Violent Behavior
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chool violence, or just the threat of violence, can ruin a student’s day, month, or life. When we talk about “school violence,” we frequently think of high profile events such as Columbine or Virginia Tech. While school shootings get a lot of attention, schools are about the safest place from violent killings for teens – safer than their homes or neighborhoods – and violent deaths at schools or school events are extremely rare.1 Other kinds of violence are less drastic but more prevalent and can be devastating to students. Almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a
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Violence in the school can surface in many different forms, including bullying, cyberbullying, dating violence, gang violence, and hate crimes. Continued on page 5
Youth Declaration for Road Safety — Daniel Vocelle, 2006-2007 SOY
DECISIONS is published by the SADD National Office. For more information, contact
target of bullying, or both.2 Even if a student isn’t the direct victim of threats or violence, damage can be done. Students who witness a friend being humiliated or harassed are likely to be affected, and students who feel threatened or bullied can start bullying others. The perpetrators of many of the recent famous school violence cases felt they were striking back at their tormentors.
The United Nations held its first-ever World Youth Assembly for Road Safety during Global Road Safety Week (April 23-29, 2007) to give a voice to young people about road safety. This event brought together young people ages 18-25 from around the world, including two youth leaders from SADD. SADD National Students of the Year Jessica Billings from Bloomington, Minnesota, and I were two of three road safety advocates chosen to represent the United States at the World Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, April 23-24, 2007. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of State joined together with many other federal partners and
nonprofit organizations to take part in this new international safety event. The purpose of the international conference in Geneva was to finally shine a light Daniel Vocelle and Jessica on the more than 3,000 Billings, SADD Students of the Year, and Kyle Ali of The deaths per day that result from motor vehicle BACCHUS Network pose in Geneva, Switzerland. crashes. The event was sponsored by the United Nations and the World Health Organization and attended by more than 70 nations. The conference gave a voice to youth all over the world and started a new movement. At the conference, a Youth Continued on page 3
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When students head back to school in the fall, many of them are returning to a place where they spend more waking hours than in their own homes. With extracurricular activities added to the regular school day, students may find themselves spending 10-12 hours en route to school, in the school building, and on its grounds. Under these circumstances, it is very important that the school environment is friendly, supportive, and safe.
Message from the Executive Director
Yet for many students, this is not the case. Studies consistently place the threat of violence near the top of the list of concerns that trouble students. Without persistent, creative, and comprehensive attention, an atmosphere of threatened violence can take over a school and cause lifelong harm to young people. Our lead article steers students and educators toward many helpful resources that are available to tackle this issue, which is as important as any our teens face. This newsletter issue is full of news about student and chapter success, in our communities, in Washington, and even on the international stage. Our national conference took place in New Orleans this year, and students worked,
Message from the Student of the Year
I joined SADD because I want my peers to have an alternate way to solve their problems, and I want to be a positive role model for them. This organization saves lives, and I am excited to be a part of it. As Student of the Year, my goal is to keep the organization coming from a youth perspective, and as part of the Student Leadership Council I want to spark new ideas for SADD to focus on. The national conference gets better and better each year, and I know I speak for the rest of this year’s Council when I say that we want to make next year’s national conference in Phoenix, Arizona, the best one ever. I hope you’ll join us next summer and find out for yourself, firsthand.
danced, and networked for four days. The conference is a life-changing experience for those teens who attend, and we urge you to put Phoenix on your calendar for 2008. We also have wonderful opportunities in this issue. First, make sure to order your SADD Manual. This big book gives you everything you need for a successful SADD chapter, all in one place. We also have fund-raising opportunities through our partnership with Boston Market and plenty of cool ideas for programs for your school, for parents, and for teens. Remember to reregister your chapter each year! If you’d like more info about starting a SADD chapter, check us out online at sadd.org. Have a great year!
P.S. Teens say texting and driving leads the list of distractions in a car. Try turning off your cell phone before you get behind the wheel.
Role models and peer leaders have a unique opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives. I remember one girl saying to me, “No matter who you’re around or what you’re doing, you always speak to me and make me feel loved.” This is the power of SADD. As well as being involved in many things, from sports teams to clubs and community-service groups, I want to be known as the friendly, hard-working person who really made a difference. One day, I would love to open a center for children. I want children to know I will always be there for them. I want to share with you one of my many favorite quotes: “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”
— Sasha Willingham
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continued … Declaration for Road Safety was drafted, refined, and then passed and adopted by every country in attendance. The youth declaration is available online at who.int/roadsafety/week/activities/global/yout h/youth-declarationlowres_en.pdf. What the declaration means to you is that when you proudly take a stand against destructive decisions on the road, you stand alongside millions of youth in this country and in countries all over this world as we say together “Road Safety Is No Accident.” Indeed, the deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes are avoidable and preventable. With the declaration, SADD students have the support of the United States, the power of the United Nations, and the strength of the world’s youth. SADD’s motto has always been “If the problem lies with teens, then the solution lies with us.” We’ve seen the tide turn on drinking and driving and we changed the course of drug use among student athletes when it was on the rise. Now it’s time for SADD to redefine the current trends in teen driving. Motor vehicle crashes are responsible for 17 youth deaths every day in this country and are the leading cause of death among America’s youth. SADD is committed to tackling this problem and working hard to see the number of senseless teen deaths decrease. We know what the problem is. The only question is — What are you going to do?
Jessica Billings (at right) meets with Dr. Dinh-Zarr and Congressman Oberstar in Washington, D.C.
— Jessica Billings 2006-2007 SLC Youth Advisor
In April 2007, national delegates gathered from around the world at the United Nations World Youth Assembly for Global Road Safety in Geneva, Switzerland. During the assembly our goals were to identify issues that affect youth, develop strategies to make road safety a priority, and create a declaration on how to implement preventative programs. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Make Roads Safe (makeroadssafe.org) in Washington, D.C. Make Roads Safe is an international campaign to put global road traffic injuries on the G8 and UN sustainability agendas. Building on the work of the Commission for Global Road Safety, the Make Roads Safe campaign aims to raise public and political awareness of a global road traffic injury epidemic that kills at least 3,000 people, and 500 children, every day. During my internship, I had several opportunities to visit Capitol Hill to meet with
members of the U.S. Congress and raise awareness about global road safety. I had the honor of meeting with James Oberstar (D-MN), Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative John Mica (R-FL), the ranking Republican Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN). Along with Dr. T. Bella Dinh-Zarr from Make Roads Safe, I also met with key Congressional staffers in other offices during our visits. With the support of its allies in important road safety and public health organizations in the U.S., such as SOPHE (Society for Public Health Education), NOYS (National Organizations for Youth Safety) and SADD, Make Roads Safe will continue to inform U.S. decision-makers about the importance of road safety as a public health, transportation, economic, and international relations issue.
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SADD BACKPACK Welcome to a new edition of Decisions, which launches a new feature: the SADD Backpack. We hope your SADD chapter will take advantage of these new ideas and resources to augment your local fund-raising and programming efforts. SADD E-Newsletter Introducing – SADD’s new bimonthly advisor and student e-newsletter! Student Leadership Council members and SADD staff team up to provide you with innovative fund-raising ideas, new activities, and exciting news updates. Sign up at sadd.org.
Think About It … September Startup Kit This new and improved September campaign is designed to help your new or existing chapter evaluate the community’s needs, set goals, and make plans for the year. Realize the Power of Friendship and the impact you and your friends can have on others. Download Think About It … September Startup for free at sadd.org.
Boston Market Fund-Raiser Are you looking for cash for your chapter? Do you have a Boston Market in your neighborhood? SADD has developed a new program in partnership with Boston Market, the “Time for Your School” fund-raising program.
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and practical advice about running your chapter. It’s a must-have for every successful SADD chapter! The manual is available for just $64.95 plus shipping from the SADD Store. Time for Your School offers you “Cash for Your Bash,” so you can afford to put on the coolest safe celebrations your school has ever seen. For years, SADD has offered tips and information about safe celebrations that chapters can hold after events like prom and graduation, when fatalities from destructive decisions increase greatly. Now the money that you need for your safe celebrations is right at your fingertips! SADD chapters can earn up to 40 percent of the store’s sales from a specific night. The proceeds are donated to your SADD chapter for safe celebrations or other SADD programming. For more information, visit myspace.com/bostonmarket_ fundraising.
2007 EMPOWERED PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
SADD students at Ursuline Academy of Dallas work together to make a difference in the world and garner the Group Photo Award.
SADD Manual SADD has a brand-new manual available for chapters! Don’t miss this incredibly valuable resource. This one-volume binder (225 pages) is packed with activity ideas, detailed information and stats on issues such as alcohol and other drug use,
Ashley Davidson of the Vermont Teen Leadership Safety Program/SADD captures the Individual Photo Award.
r r r r r Make Your School Safer, These acts, or an atmosphere that condones these types of behaviors, can create a tension within school that makes students’ (and sometimes teachers’) daily experience highly stressful and definitely not conducive to learning. Creating a safe environment requires participation by all the members of the school community as well as important players in the surrounding community. Administrators and faculty members should start the new school year with a commitment to make their community a safer, friendlier place for the students and adults who spend their days there. Many concrete ideas3 and resources are available to help your school, and SADD can play a prominent role in any violence prevention initiative. First, the school administration must identify the local problems. A SADD chapter can play a crucial role, uncovering and reporting what’s happening in the school culture. If your school does not have a SADD chapter, establish and support one. SADD students, with their positive attitudes and their mission of supporting healthy decision-making, can lead in implementing any plan protecting their schools from real and perceived violence. Because SADD students share the halls, cafeterias, and bathrooms with their peers, they are uniquely positioned to bring about change. Students and administrators should read about the causes of the problems they identify and ways to resolve those problems that have worked in other schools. SADD’s Web site includes statistics about the issue nationally (sadd.org/issues_ violence.htm) and links to other sites that offer useful information. SADD partners through NOYS (National
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Organizations for Youth Safety) with several youth organizations that have a special focus on stopping youth violence. Check out Students Against Violence Everywhere, SAVE, at nationalsave.org, Youth Crime Watch of America at ycwa.org, and National Peer Programs at peerprograms.org. Perhaps the best place to look is the National Youth Violence Prevention Center Web site, which has comprehensive information about youth violence and ideas for addressing it. Check out safeyouth.org and go to “Teen Audience” or go to “Professionals” and then “Educators.” SADD and the National Youth Violence Prevention Center offer the following suggestions for stemming school violence.
For Students – What You as an Individual Can Do Make a commitment not to contribute to violence in any way. Do not bully, tease, haze, or spread negative gossip about others. Respect others and value differences. Broaden your social circle to include others who are different from you. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Stay away from alcohol and other drugs and people who use them. There is a strong link between the use of alcohol and drugs and violence. Learn ways to resolve arguments and fights without violence, and encourage your friends to do the same. Many schools, churches, and afterschool programs offer training in conflict resolution. Do not carry a gun, knife, or other weapons. Carrying a weapon will not make you safer. Weapons often escalate conflicts and increase the
chances that someone will be seriously harmed. If you feel you are in serious danger, do not take matters into your own hands. Find an adult you can trust or contact school administrators or the police. If you know someone is planning to harm someone else – report it. Sometimes “telling” is the most courageous thing you can do. If you are afraid and believe that telling will put you in danger or lead to retaliation, find a way to contact the authorities anonymously.
For SADD Chapters Take the initiative to make your school or community safer. • Initiate a conflict resolution program to teach students to handle conflict peacefully. • Start a drama troupe to develop productions with nonviolence themes, such as peaceful conflict resolution, respect for diversity, and tolerance. • Launch a school crime watch program. • Plan a nonviolence rally or dance, and encourage others to commit to avoiding conflicts. • Start a “peace pledge” campaign in which students promise to settle disagreements without violence, to reject weapons, and to work toward a safer school for all. • Set up a forum for students to talk about how school violence is affecting their lives and to brainstorm about possible solutions. 1 National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. “Frequency of School Violence.” www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/freqschoolviol.asp. (1 Aug. 2007). 2 National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. “Bullying Facts and Statistics.” www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/bullying.asp. (1 Aug. 2007). 3 National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. “What Educators Can Do to Prevent Youth Violence.” www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/edprevent.asp (15 Aug. 2007).
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All Aboard! Rollin’ on the River … — Travis Helmondollar, SADD National Student Leadership Councils 2004-2006 Nearly 600 SADD activists came together this past July for the 2007 SADD National Conference, held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana. Representing 26 states, students and advisors alike enjoyed five incredible keynote speakers, 34 educational workshops, the powerful DVD The Katrina Experience, the PRIDE dance troupe of St. Tammany, and even a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, the pride of the Mississippi. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Craig Tornquist set the tone for a positive and productive four-day conference. His excitement was contagious and his flair for engaging audience participants kept the crowd upbeat. Although there are many thanks to give, members of the 2006-2007 Student Leadership Council and the 2007 Conference Planning Committee top the list for planning such a dynamic and memorable four-day educational experience, inspiring attendees to return to their schools refreshed and energized, ready to “define the current” of their SADD chapter and take it in new and exciting directions. We extend our special thanks to Jessica Smith of Arizona and DC Sills of Louisiana, who served as conference co-chairs and devoted countless hours to help shape this memorable event. Thanks also go to the Louisiana Krewe of volunteers mobilized by our Louisiana State Coordinators, Janice Williams and DC Sills, and Louisiana Youth Prevention Services for their warm Southern hospitality.
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Helping New Orleans Rebuild More than 200 students came to the Crescent City a day early, at their own expense, for a service project that would revitalize the Carrollton-area campus of the James Weldon Johnson Elementary School, whose classrooms were ravaged by the flooding after Hurricane Katrina. Working under the guidance of Troy Peloquin, Director of Volunteers for the New Orleans Recovery School District, SADD students painted 19 classrooms and the library in the two-story building. It was an impressive job by all and a shining example of the power of peers reaching out to help one another. “These students will forever be a part of this school,” remarked Tisa Hill, who has been working with SADD chapters in Lafourche Parish for 12 years and participated in the project alongside a group of her own SADD students.
We offer our heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable conference sponsors. Fleur-de-Lis Presenting Sponsor Louisiana Highway Safety Commission The Mighty Mississippi Sponsor 1 2 1 Direct Response SADD Krewe Sponsor Sparhawk Corporation Crescent City Sponsor Boston Market Corporation Through their generous financial support, the SADD conference was a phenomenal success and, according to some, the best SADD National conference ever!
Join us next year in Phoenix, Arizona, June 27-30. (date tentative) Sign up at sadd.org for e-newsletter updates.
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2007 National Awards Recognizing Excellence Each year, SADD National is honored to recognize excellence in the field, and this year’s accolades commend the stellar work by outstanding individuals and SADD chapters: Advisor of the Year, Activity of the Year, and Chapter of the Year. Award winners demonstrated exceptional commitment to the SADD mission, creativity in programming, and tireless dedication to the safety of youth in their communities. For the first time, cash awards were presented. Winning schools in first, second, and third place received $500, $250, and $100, respectively, to support their local SADD chapter’s programming.
Advisor of the Year A natural leader on campus and an outstanding educator for 31 years, Sherry Viersen teaches Life Management Skills/Health at University High School in Orlando, Florida, and has served as the SADD Advisor for many years. She actively guides and promotes SADD-sponsored schoolwide dynamic events that make a huge impact on students and faculty. “University High School seeks to provide our students a place of high learning, and Sherry is a wonderful example of that motto and a true role model for our parents, teachers, students, and administration,” remarked University High School Principal David Christiansen.
Activity of the Year Recognizing that many local teens say there’s nothing to do, SADD students at Barrington High School in Rhode Island created a buzz (including media coverage) by dressing in orange Borrington?
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Barrington High School SADD members join Penny Wells.
T-shirts, secretly blanketing the town with Borrington? signage, and adding a Web site link, borrington.org, that helped teens by offering and promoting substance-free activities. The campaign also provided open-mike nights, giving teens a safe weekend alternative. Their inclusive and positive approach provides a programming concept that can be creatively and usefully adapted by SADD chapters everywhere.
Representatives from Denham Springs High School with Penny Wells and Jessica Billings.
Chapter of the Year A common thread that connects chapters nationwide is the underlying dedication to living positive lives and the desire to encourage friends to do the same. Denham Springs High School in Louisiana has much to offer as an example to other chapters across the country. The chapter is the largest club on campus, with nearly 200 members. This past year, students were involved in tobacco
compliance checks, Red Ribbon Week celebrations, safety belt surveys, an Internet safety seminar, and SADD’s 25th anniversary celebration. One of their most rewarding projects was their annual Prom Fashion Parade to spread SADD’s prom safety message and honor a high school student killed by an impaired driver in 1999. Congratulations to Denham Springs’ “Jackets Against Destructive Decisions” for taking traditional SADD programming and adding a creative spin.
Outstanding Contribution Award Giving back to the conference host community took on a deeper meaning this year as we gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a service project that benefited the James W. Johnson Elementary School damaged by Hurricane Katrina. As we became more aware of the relentless work and tireless dedication of the members of the Recovery School District in New Orleans getting schools back in operation, we were moved to present them with this year’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Through the diligence and commitment of administrators and staff, the Recovery School District is creating a world-class future education system to serve all the youth of Orleans Parish. Because of these dedicated community leaders, New Orleans students will share a safer, healthier, more positive experience during their formative years. We salute the Recovery School District for its powerful commitment and resolve. Send us your nominations for 2008. Check sadd.org for details in the coming months.
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adopted or are adopting legislation for teen drivers, the restrictions (including restrictions on cell phone use) vary from state to state.
Recent tragedies have shown just how dangerous this activity can be. Texting may have played a part in a crash in western New York that killed five high school cheerleaders in June. While most states have
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association: • In May of 2007, Washington became the first state to ban texting while driving for all drivers. A few other states are considering similar measures. • Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have special cell phone restrictions for novice drivers. • No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (hands-free and handheld) while driving.
nstant and text messaging while driving leads the list as the biggest distraction for teen drivers, according to recent research by SADD and Liberty Mutual, SADD’s National Insurance Partner. In a national survey of more than 900 teens with driver’s licenses, 37 percent of teens rated instant or text messaging while driving as “extremely” or “very” distracting.
• Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia have enacted jurisdiction-wide bans on talking on handheld cell phones while driving. California and Washington have passed similar laws that will go into effect in July 2008. Many other states ban cell phone use in specific situations. For more about cell phone laws in your state, visit ghsa.org/html/ stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html. SADD and Liberty Mutual offer parents tips on how to keep their children safe behind the wheel at sadd.org.
SADD National 2007-2008 Student Leadership Council
(Left to Right) Stephen, Emily, Danny, Jacob, Katelyn, Robby, Joe, Jesse, Kelsea, Jeannie, Alex, Daniel, and Sasha Executive Committee Sasha Willingham - Russellville, AL Student of the Year Jacob Holm - Rural Valley City, ND
Members, Student Leadership Council Alexandra Boncek - Nags Head, NC Robby DeVillez - Fullerton, CA Jeannie Harrison - Nitro, WV Jesse Hoffman-Klaucke - S. Chatham, MA Kelsea Larsen - Shelton, WA Joseph Laston - Williamstown, VT
Katelyn Pontore - Cranesville, PA Danny Ramsey - Charlottesville, IN Emily Smith - Clewiston, FL Stephen Winkler - Seneca, KS Youth Advisor Daniel Vocelle - Vero Beach, FL
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Chapter Chatter Chatham, NY – Chatham High School SADD hosted a Battle of the Belts competition to raise awareness about seat belt use and safe driving. The team with the fastest time advanced to a championship competition. Prizes were given out to the teams with the best name, best t-shirt, and loudest cheering section. SADD students from Lauralton Hall are dedicated to promoting prom safety.
Teens buckle up for a competition at Chatham High School.
Lockport, LA – Four hundred Lafourche Parish SADD students participated in the Lafourche Parish Youth Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Youth, their family members, teachers, friends, and cancer survivors enjoyed a night of games, music, and food. The event raised more than $37,000. Mundelein, IL – The SADD students at Mundelein High School are trying to stomp out smoking. They filled a parking lot with 1,200 shoes, representing the number of Americans who die each day from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. They also displayed signs with information about the negative effects of tobacco use.
Milford, CT – SADD students at Lauralton Hall reminded their peers to make safe, healthy decisions on prom night by holding a “SADDWALK.” They used chalk to cover the sidewalks all around the school with different safety messages. Somerville, TN – Hundreds of students participated in “Healthy Living Day” at Fayette Ware Comprehensive High School. The Fayette County Schools SADD chapter sponsored the event and teamed up with local law enforcement officials and other groups to spread awareness about the dangerous consequences of underage drinking and other drug use. The event ended with a lively concert put on by a hip-hop gospel artist.
Fayette County Schools SADD brings more than 900 students together for “Healthy Living Day.”
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Clewiston, FL – The Clewiston Sugar Festival was a chance for teens to spread the word about SADD. The Clewiston High School SADD chapter gave out pencils, key chains, and other goodies promoting the SADD message. They set up an obstacle course where people could use Fatal Vision® Goggles to see how alcohol affects a person’s vision. They also encouraged people to sign a “Buckle Up” pledge banner.
Clewiston High School students show off their SADD spirit at a recent community event.
Princeton, NJ – The Hun School’s new SADD chapter got off to a great start. The chapter raised $350 through bake sales and candy-gram sales for Homefront, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless teens and their families. The students plan to do another fund-raiser this year to help Homefront and other worthy organizations.
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Wayland, MA – This past prom season, student leaders from Wayland High School created a sign to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. The SADD chapter came up with the message, “Don’t Be Selfish, Think Twice, Somebody Loves You,” to drive home the point that automobile tragedies affect entire families and communities. A local insurance company paid for the cost of producing the sign and installing it in the student parking lot.
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Nanuet, NY – The SADD chapter at Nanuet Senior High School organized a very successful National Youth Service Day project. They set up a lemonade stand to benefit the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer. The chapter raised $350 in one day.
Nanuet Senior High School SADD students sell lemonade to raise money for a good cause. Thanks to the SADD chapter at Wayland High School, this sign is a daily reminder for students to drive safely.
Simla, CO – Big Sandy School’s SADD chapter raised funds to pay for signs that give teen drivers a constant reminder to use their seat belts. The signs, which read “Buckle Up. It’s a Good Law,” have been posted around campus and at nearby schools. The Colorado State Patrol has commended the SADD chapter for helping to save lives.
Neshaminy, PA – Students and staff at Neshaminy High School participated in “Yellow Ribbon Day,” a suicide prevention program that encourages teens to seek help when they are facing depression or contemplating suicide. SADD students handed out cards with tips and information, played inspirational songs over the PA system, and encouraged everyone to wear yellow that day to show their support.
Potomac, MD – Montgomery County SADD teamed up with other groups to host the 18th annual Battle of the Bands. The event is designed to promote good decision-making and give youth a safe, healthy alternative during spring break. The bands competed for a free recording session with a local studio.
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r r r r r r r r Partnerships & Resources Each year, SADD National establishes or continues partnerships with other organizations to make important prevention, health, and safety information available to SADD chapters nationwide.
UR the Spokesperson The Ad Council and SADD Launch UR the Spokesperson Tool Kit to Help Prevent Reckless Driving The Ad Council has been improving American lives for more than 65 years by raising awareness about critical social issues and inspiring people to take action with campaigns like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” or “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” Their newest campaign, UR the Spokesperson, empowers teen passengers to be the “spokesperson” against reckless driving and to “speak up” when they’re in the car with friends and don’t feel safe. The campaign includes a series of public service announcements (PSAs) for television and radio, a Web site, free e-cards, and other educational materials and resources. SADD collaborated on the campaign’s newest resource: a tool kit for community and classroom outreach. Launched at the SADD National Conference in July, the tool kit is already receiving great reviews! Included are ideas for classroom and school activities, a PowerPoint presentation and talking points, TV and radio PSAs, fact sheets and other educational materials about safe driving, and lots more. Check it out at URtheSpokesperson.com.
Download the tool kit or contact your state coordinator for a copy on CD-ROM. Take these messages to your schools and youth groups and out into the community. Everything you need is in this one kit!
inexperience, and lifestyle choices, including a tendency to drive at night and in the early morning hours when there is a strong urge to sleep, puts young adults at high risk for drowsy driving crashes.
Car crashes are the number-one killer of U.S. teens. The work you do to encourage young passengers to “speak up” can save lives – yours and your friends’.
The Drowsy Driving Prevention Week™ campaign includes a drowsy driving tool kit that includes online educational resources; the new Web site, drowsydriving.org; and NSF's Parent/Teen Safe Driver Contract, an agreement between young drivers and their parents to practice safe driving by not driving recklessly or while intoxicated or drowsy.
Set Your Alarm for Drowsy Driving Prevention Week™ The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has announced November 5-11, 2007, as the first (and to be annual) Drowsy Driving Prevention Week™. The goal of this national campaign is to save the lives of young drivers by educating teens about the risks of drowsy driving before teens are on the road and to build a network of advocates willing to work for drowsy driving prevention at the local and state levels. NSF hopes to raise public awareness of the signs of sleepiness behind the wheel, such as frequent blinking, having trouble focusing, yawning, drifting from lane to lane, heavy eyelids, and not remembering the last few miles driven. NSF CEO Richard Gelula says that most teens and college students are unaware that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. And unlike an impaired driver, a person who falls asleep while driving has no control of the vehicle and cannot take any measures to avoid a crash. The combination of sleepiness,
For more information, visit drowsydriving.org.
Parent Chronicles What teens do and what parents think teens do are two different things. The National Youth AntiDrug Media Campaign has launched a new campaign, Parent Chronicles. This initiative strives to help parents better understand their teen’s life and to prevent drug use by bridging the generation gap between parent and child. SADD Chairman and CEO Stephen Wallace is serving as a campaign spokesperson. Parent Chronicles calls on parents to participate in a series of Action Items and share what they’ve learned with other parents in an online forum. This multi-phased initiative will culminate in September with a national Open Letter ad campaign, a press event, and an ONDCP Special Report on parenting trends. Go to the Web site, TheAntiDrug.com/ ParentChronicles, to learn more.
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Chapter Registration Form Joining SADD means joining hundreds of thousands of young people across the country who are dedicated to saving lives and making positive, healthy decisions. Once you send in this form, we will send you a packet of appropriate information along with your SADD Membership Certificate. It is very important for chapters to register with the SADD National office every year. Register online at sadd.org or fill out this form completely and then fax or mail it to
SADD, Inc., 255 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Fax: 508-481-5759
ers hapt very c D D e Select one: Brand New Chapter Registration Chapter Renewal All SA eregister our y r Date: ______________________________________________________________________________________ must r. Send in m now yea tion for eive SADD Chapter Name: ________________________________________________________________________ gistra u will rec e r ! Check all that apply: yo and FREE Gift a School Elementary Urban
Community Center Middle Suburban
Other ____________________ High Rural
Private Public College
Number of Active Members: _______________________________ School Population: _________________ Grade Levels:_____________________________________________Year SADD Started:__________________ Principal or Director Name: School Address:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Shipping Address (No P.O. Box): ______________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ______________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Fax: ______________________________ School Web Site:
______________________________________ County:
__________________________
SADD Advisor: ______________________________________________________________________________ Title:
Teacher
Counselor
Coach
Parent
Clergy
Community Leader
Nurse
Law Enforcement Officer Other__________________
Advisor Home Phone: __________________________________ Office Phone: ______________________ Advisor Home Address (No P.O. Box): __________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ______________ Advisor E-mail (required):
____________________________________________________________________
Additional SADD Advisor: ____________________________________________________________________ Title:
Teacher
Counselor
Coach
Parent
Clergy
Community Leader
Nurse
Law Enforcement Officer Other__________________
Advisor Home Phone: __________________________________ Office Phone: ______________________ Advisor Home Address (No P.O. Box): __________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ______________ Advisor E-mail (required):
____________________________________________________________________
Chapter President:____________________________________________________________________________ Chapter President E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________ How Did You Hear About SADD?
Web site
Newsletter
Other ____________________
Students helping students make positive decisions about challenges in their everyday lives
SADD Calendar The SADD Calendar is an “Action Plan” for your SADD chapter. Visit sadd.org to find more activities. Good luck! September ✔ SADD Signup ✔ Suicide Prevention Week
October
STEPHEN G. WALLACE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
✔ National Red Ribbon Campaign
(last full week) ✔ Domestic (Dating) Violence
Awareness Month
PENNY WELLS President & Executive Director
November ✔ Wipe Out Smoking Month ✔ Drowsy Driving Prevention Week
SADD, Inc. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 255 Main Street Marlborough, MA 01752
(November 5-11) ✔ Great American Smokeout
(third Thursday)
December ✔ National Drunk and Drugged Driving
1-508-481-3568 1-508-481-5759 fax 1-877-SADD-INC toll-free
(3D) Prevention Month ✔ Lights on for Life (third Friday) ✔ HIV/AIDS Awareness Month ✔ World AIDS Day (December 1)
sadd.org
SADD, Inc. 255 Main Street Marlborough, MA 01752
SADD Manual The new SADD Manual, your complete guide to chapter success, is now available for just $64.95 plus shipping. We know you’ll find this a great resource filled with tools that your chapter can put into action today. • Exciting chapter activities • Prevention information and resources • Useful tips for working with media and legislators • Facts and statistics about important issues • SADD history Call the SADD Store’s Customer Center at 1-800-394-0090. Order your copy today! SADD and all logos are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other jurisdictions, or registration is pending. All rights reserved by SADD, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that sponsors Students Against Destructive Decisions and other health and safety programs.
Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Hudson, MA Permit No. 6
