SADD through the generations

The SADD mission inspires more than just one generation in a family. SADD started over 30 years ago, so there is no surprise that some young people may step in the footsteps of their parents. Micaela interviewed her mum to find out what it was like to be part of SADD over 20 years ago.

Micaela: “When I joined my SADD group at my school I didn't know that my Mum was once in her own SADD group. It was only when I told her that my SADD group had won school of the month back in March 2019 that she told me she was once in her own group. This doesn't surprise me as she has had a lot of grief from the roads and people driving carelessly, she has felt grief on the roads more than once and I think that this is what motivated me more to reach out and make a difference. Since her time at school the rules have changed and the laws have changed, teenagers drive more carelessly, and so do adults. Seeing all the grief that goes on, on our roads is heartbreaking because if people had only stopped and been cautious of their actions many friends, loved ones and members of our community would still be with us today.”

Here you can read about what Bronnie, Micaela's mum has to say about her SADD experience:

Micaela: “Hi Mum, tell me a bit about yourself so everyone can get to know you better.”

Bronnie: “I’m a housewife, wife, mum, daughter-in-law, and work part-time at our local RSA here in Kaitaia. I have 2 beautiful daughters that I am very proud of, they amaze me every day and I’m super proud to be their mum. I help out on the family farm as well by relief milking and getting the cows in.”

Micaela: “What are 3 things that you would instantly get out of bed every day?”

Bronnie: “My kids, Husband and every day as you never know what is going to be happening.”

Micaela: “When did you get involved with SADD?”

Bronnie: “I have been involved in SADD since I was 17.”

Micaela: “What kind of activities did you do back then?”

 Bronnie: “When I was in SADD it was called “Students against drunk driving” We promoted that by doing posters, talking to the seniors at school and surrounding high schools,  we did mock car crashes, had the Ambulance,  Police, and Hospital Staff/Nurses come in and talk to us about what they found at the scenes and when they got to the hospital, and how the Police had to go and tell the parents of those involved that they had an accident.”

Micaela: “Who was involved with SADD and supported you?”

Bronnie: “Principal of our school, Police, and 2 students, myself and 1 other.”

Micaela: “Oh wow a small group. Did you have the police come in?”

Bronnie: “Yes we did, and we got to go out one night to see exactly what they did, let me tell you it wasn’t pretty. They came in 4 times a year, and were part of the mock crashes.”

Micaela: “That is such a great opportunity. What caught your interest to be part of SADD?”

Bronnie: “I was nominated for SADD by peers, teachers, and Principal. I also had 2 very good friends that had fatal crashes and are no longer with us, after they got killed I wanted to do something to raise awareness of what happens on our roads.  Both of these accidents weren’t from alcohol, one was speed and road conditions as it had been raining, and the other had just left school, and a whey tanker cut the corner and it had been raining as well. Both of these accidents happened on the same stretch of road. The 1st of my friends that passed away was 17 and I was due to get my license, well it put me off getting it for another year! I said to my mum “ I don’t want my license just yet”. That scared the shitter out of me. Every time I go home to Reporoa now, I have to go past where they both got killed.”

Micaela: “Thanks Mum for answering all my questions. That was really interesting. For all my fellow peers, my main piece of advice would be to have the determination and perseverance to get a group started. Talk with your teachers, talk with your friends, reach out into the community and find partners to work with, find interest, and before you know it you will have a lot of people interested and paying attention to your key ideas and messages.”