How to grow and maintain your SADD committee

Having trouble growing your SADD committee? Auckland-based National Leader, Ben Bonne tells us how he grew his to 15 members within a month! Ben’s SADD committee at Albany Senior High has produced some really impactful stuff recently, and he puts it down to knowing the right people.

Why did you join SADD?

I joined SADD at the start of year 11 when I started at Albany Senior High. I’d witnessed a fatal accident when I was younger and my family’s car was really close to being hit. From that moment I thought I wanted to do something about this and prevent this from happening again. 

How did you manage to grow your SADD committee?

Towards the end of year 11 our SADD group had shrunk quite a bit, so at the start of 2019 I was determined to grow the numbers back up. Luckily I know lots of people, so I shoulder-tapped everyone who I thought would be good for the role. A lot of them are natural leaders who were keen to hop on board and try something new. I quite easily got a group of 15 within a month!

I then approached two teachers who I thought would be good for the role. They both go above and beyond with clubs. I also approached my principal and I talked to her about my plans for the committee. She fully supported me and helped me as much as I needed to get going.

How do you keep in contact with your committee?

We have meetings once a week. We use Google Classroom for our SADD committee which sends out emails whenever I post something new. We also have a group chat on Instagram. Sometimes people don’t check their emails so I tend to use both.

Why do you think your committee works so well together?

I think it’s the people. Before I shoulder-tapped people for the committee, I thought about who would work well together. Everyone was so keen to join, and because of that they put a lot of effort into it. We all listen to each other. We’re big enough that we can have a really good impact but too many more might lead to miscommunication. Also, at this school, the teachers don’t run the show so students are able to take initiative and leadership.

Have you faced any challenges?

Initially forming the group was the hardest part. We used to have an interview process but that wasn’t attracting too many people. So that’s when I decided to start shoulder-tapping.

What’s your favourite thing about running a SADD committee?

Seeing the positive impact it’s having. Already we’ve gained so many compliments and lots of people have come up to us and said “we love your art piece” or “wow, we didn’t know that…”. We’re quite a small school compared to a lot of Auckland schools which means it’s easier for us to connect with every student. I feel like we’re achieving that pretty well.

Who is your idol?

I had a teacher at Albany Junior High who taught me to never give up. I still have contact with him today, as I have teaching experience with him. He taught me that if I wanted to make a change in the world, then I can. His advice has really stuck with me. 

Any advice for putting ideas into action?

Look at the SADD website for inspiration. There’s some really great resources there. Also I think to make sure you have a good group. If you’ve got a good group of people who are in there for the right reasons then you’ll be sweet! Also, good communication! I’m constantly keeping everyone in the loop.

In your opinion, why should guys join SADD?

They have just as much of a chance of being in an accident than girls - if not more! I think boys are associated with cars from a young age so maybe boys have more of an interest in cars. At the end of the day they’re just as at risk as girls and they have just as much power as girls to make an impact.

What does road safety mean to you?

I think it’s about realising that when you’re on that road you have a responsibility. You’re not just endangering yourself if you’re driving dangerously, but other people’s lives. It’s a privilege to have your licence and I think sometimes we forget that.