Problem Solved! How to stay motivated to actually run activities in your school

Students often come back from a SADD workshop or SADD Conference motivated and keen to make a positive change in their school community. One of the biggest challenges they face is staying motivated to actually run activities when life kicks back in. Daunte Tamaki from St John’s College in Hamilton discusses how him and the group have dealt with this challenge!

How did you first get involved with SADD

I got into SADD by one of the previous SJC leaders asking if I wanted to join. They took me and two others through what SADD does and what they want to achieve. The targets and goals of SADD were similar, if not the same as my own set of goals.

How does the SADD committee at SJC run?

Our committee meet about once a week to discuss problems raised by teachers or students about students or community driving behaviour. We have 6 students in the committee - 3 year 12’s and 3 year 13’s. 

What activities have you run and how did you organise them?

So far this year we have done advisory notice handouts, bad behaviour advertisement, and the police checkpoint and booze bus run. For the tickets, we went to SADD website and downloaded and printed them there. For the police checkpoint, we contacted our local school police officer and from there we set dates and the gear we were using and our meet up point for the briefing.

How do you and the group actually stay motivated to run the activities?

Our group stays motivated by making sure that we always have our meetings every week, even when we are busy. We also always check up on each other to see where the different activities we are planning are at. We normally split the activities between the group so that it doesn't get too hard for one person, and this really helps our group as it gives everyone a sense of ownership and something relevant and important for them.

What are some challenges you've had to running activities?

One challenge that we have had to overcome would be knowing that police can’t always email us back straight away since they have a bigger job. Another would be waiting for the school to approve some activities. For instance, we are wanting to bring the booze bus into school but we have to wait for an event that happened outside of school to calm down before we bring in the booze bus and fatal vision goggles.

How have you overcome these challenges?

Being patient is the big key. Somethings just take time. Don’t give up!

Have you got any tips for other students who are struggling?

Yes. First, SADD has an amazing website full of resources - everything is there for you to use! For example, with the Advisory Notices all you do is download, print, then hand them out or put them on people’s car windscreens. 

Second, giving each member of your group a different part or act in an activity helps make the activity run smoothly. It means that it doesn't get too out of hand and members don't give up because it is too hard. 

Third, make sure the activities you want to do are fun! If you wouldn’t be interested in taking part then why would anyone else at your school? Designing your own activities can also be great and allows you to tweak them to your specific audience.

Why do you think SADD is important and relevant to young people?

Because it gets students thinking about the good behaviours on our roads. By getting students involved you’re putting a different perspective of safe driving out to the public - one that they often don’t think about. And students always have great and creative ideas!

Why is SADD important for males in particular?

SADD is important for males because it help breaks the stereotype that ever male student or just male drives horrendously - which is wrong, there are men out who drive amazingly. I believe that all males should be a part of or contribute to SADD in many ways. It is also just good to get behind an important cause!

Who is your role model and why?

A role model for me is my uncle. He has two black belt’s and a brain full of knowledge but he is also the sweetest and humble man I have ever met.  He is a role model because of the way he treats others. He doesn't care about your past, he just cares on making you a better person than yesterday. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A big value I believe in is integrity. I believe that integrity is doing something good even if no-one is watching. We will always do the right thing when someone is watching however can we carry that on and do it when no one is watching?

THANKS DAUNTE FOR YOUR GREAT ADVICE!
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