Good SADD News
Message from the State Coordinator
I’ve often heard people say there is nothing to do on the weekend. They will talk about how boring their town is and seem frustrated that they can’t do anything about it. I hear this excuse a lot when people talk about why they go to alcohol parties. We have created a society that seems to think that you can’t have a good time without the use of alcohol. People drink at football games. People drink during the holidays. If there is some event taking place you can almost bet there is going to be alcohol involved in some shape or form. But why? Do we really need alcohol to have a good time?
With all the alcohol advertising that takes place no wonder people feel pressured into drinking. People don’t want to feel left out or feel excluded from the group. They drink because they want to fit in. I find it ironic in a society that talks about being an individual, we have lots of people who follow along like sheep and do everything in their power to blend into the group. I guess they are afraid of what others might think about them.
Think about a strong person that you know. Maybe they have said something or done something that may not be very popular with others, but they refuse to follow the crowd. Rosa Park refused to give up her seat on a bus and changed the way we look at race. Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream and started a revolution of ideas that has influenced our great nation. Just think if these people kept quiet and just followed the crowd. At the time their ideas weren’t very popular either but they have made a lasting impact on society. You don’t have to give a lot of reasons why you don’t drink or use drugs. And you don’t owe anybody an explanation either. You are an individual. Be proud to stand out from the crowd. Hold on to your beliefs. You never know how your actions might influence someone else. SADD believes in positive peer pressure and helping to save lives. There are so many positive choices and things to do if we just open our eyes. Do you like to play sports? How about starting a new hobby? Can you sing or play an instrument? Maybe you could start your own band. Do you like animals? Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers. Do you have an artistic side to you? You could paint a picture or write a story. If you look really hard I’m sure you could find something better to do than use alcohol or drugs.
Let me leave you with this challenge. The next time you are in a situation and someone offers you a drink or to use drugs, ask them this simple question, "Why?" And while they are scrambling around to give you an answer, let them know you have better things to do than mess up your life. You may even want to invite them to join you. You may be surprised at their reaction. Making positive choices while being involved with SADD is easy. It is not so easy when you are at a party, at the mall, or at a friend’s house. Stand up for what you believe in. Speak out!
Do not ever forget that you are making a difference. You are SADD! Please let me know if you ever need anything from our office. Have a great school year!
Sincerely,
Verl Todd
FLORIDA SADD
State Coordinator
