From Sticker to Leader: How a small moment sparked a big journey
Today on the blog, Hayley shares how a simple SADD sticker on a locker sparked her journey into road safety advocacy. From a moment of curiosity to becoming a Regional Leader, her story proves that even the smallest actions can lead to something bigger. Check it out below!
I first learned about SADD through the stickers on the senior common room lockers. I was curious about the orange and black stickers with “SADD” lettered on them. I decided to find out more about it through a simple Google search, and that is how I learned about the SADD initiative. I could tell the stickers have been on the lockers for quite some years, as SADD isn’t something that is established at all in my school, yet there must’ve been someone involved with SADD many moons ago for these stickers to be on the lockers.
After I learned about it, I didn’t think much of it. Months later, I had a school exchange to Waikato Dio, where I saw a vibrant SADD mural on a wall. I immediately remembered the stickers I saw at my school’s lockers and thought it was quite interesting. I decided to check if SADD had an Instagram account and simply followed the account. A few more months later, I saw a post advertising the National and Regional Leadership Programme, and I decided to check it out out of curiosity. I read through the website and decided that this sounded like something I wanted to do, so I applied and expected nothing out of it, yet I exceeded expectations by becoming a Regional Leader.
I am currently running my project as a regional leader with Create Happy Media as a journalist, writing articles regarding road safety. I believe everyone should get involved with SADD as it is a fun community and, dare I say, the best-organised youth role New Zealand has to offer!
My journey of being involved with SADD through something as simple as a sticker on the lockers led me to realise that in order for any progress to be made, it has to start small. Every small step leads to something greater, awaiting for you. It is up to YOU to take the first step to find out. This has led me to appreciate every small thing in life, as nothing is too small (like a sticker) to make an impact.
I hope you all have the curiosity and courage to take your small steps in life!
Hayley, SADD (Auckland) Regional Leader
Take the First Step with SADD
Hayley’s story is a perfect example of how small things—like a sticker on a locker—can ignite curiosity and lead to something bigger. It’s a reminder that even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect, which is why SADD provides a range of free resources designed to spark conversations about road safety. Our eye-catching posters and stickers are an easy way to raise awareness and encourage positive change in your school or community. You never know who might see a message, start thinking differently, or feel inspired to take action—just like Hayley did. If you want to make a difference, don’t overlook the power of these simple yet effective resources. Order yours for free at https://www.sadd.org.nz/get-free-stuff and use them to start meaningful conversations and inspire safer habits.
What other ways can you get involved?
Join or start a SADD group – If your school doesn’t have a SADD group, you could be the one to bring it back! SADD provides resources and support to help students take the lead in promoting road safety.
Take action in your own way – Whether it’s sharing a road safety message online, encouraging your friends to make safe choices, or helping organise an event, small steps add up.
Use the tools on sadd.org.nz – SADD has a range of resources designed to make it easy for students to take action, from event guides to leadership opportunities.
Follow @SADDNZ on Instagram and TikTok – Stay inspired and connected with a community of like-minded students working towards safer roads.
Not every action will feel big, but every action matters. Hayley’s journey started with a simple moment of curiosity, and now she’s leading projects that help keep people safe. What could your first step be?