A Leadership Letter to Parents, Guardians, and Adult allies

To the parents, guardians, and adult allies of SADD members, I don’t need to say this, but I will: you play a massive role in the health and safety of the youth in your life. From guiding them through the mazes of schooling, obtaining a driver’s license, friendships and relationships that come and go, and the pressures surrounding drugs and alcohol, the ultimate need to facilitate meaningful dialogue with your teen is always present.

That said, where do you make the time in your schedule and their schedule, and do so in order to have a successful outcome? The answer: everywhere!

Just recently, my oldest daughter, who graduated from nursing school last month, asked me my thoughts on a particular issue that grabbed her attention. I was caught off guard because it was an issue that normally wouldn’t catch her attention, at least based on history, and her desire for insight was incredible. The look on my face probably contributed to her reactive perplexed look, but nonetheless, I had to jump to my own question before expressing my thoughts. “Where did this come from,” I asked her. “Well, I remember your dry-erase board in your office mentioned it on several occasions over the years, and with all that is going on, I wondered how it has affected you,” she replied. Wow. My dry-erase board mentioned it on occasion over the years. She noticed that; it was imprinted in her mind, and when the topic and issue surfaced in a medium that she paid attention to, it clicked and opened up an opportunity for dialogue that I didn’t expect, yet already had an impact on her in ways I didn’t realize. The conversation that ensued was one that I appreciated and was in awe of.

While I believe I am smart enough to know that “the little things” make a difference, this experience gave me a great reminder of that, which was needed and appreciated. Yes, we are all busy, but never underestimate the drive home from after-school activities, the quick text messages of “love you” and “good luck on your test today,” the extra time together on the weekends and holidays, the long-sought-after family dinner, and, yes, the words, phrases, pictures, and inspirational messages on dry erase boards.

SADD may be student-driven, founded on the simple philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force in prevention, but the foundation comes from the loved ones that help instill and support their teen’s healthy decision-making journey. I invite you to continue to be a part of their journey by supporting their work within SADD, as well as maintaining the healthy dialogue that needs to continue through your own individual relationships with them. We - SADD - are here to support you and, in the same breath, need you to be here with us.

Together, we can empower them, engage others, mobilize around their needs, and ultimately change - and save - lives.

In partnership,

Scott Myers, M.A., ACNP

Executive Director