How to get your SADD Chapter Motivated

All Chapters are Different

Every chapter is unique because every person is different. I can’t tell you exactly what will work for your chapter without understanding its members. What works for my chapter might not work for yours. Some people thrive under deadlines, while others do their best work in a quiet space.

Know your Chapter

Getting to know your chapter is the best way to understand how to motivate them. You can do this by incorporating fun introduction games at the beginning of meetings or by having one-on-one conversations with members. If you knew some of your chapter members before they joined SADD, that insight can also help you understand what drives them. The best way to build these connections is by recruiting people from your school.

However, truly getting to know your chapter isn’t something you can force—it takes time and genuine effort.

How I get my Chapter Motivated 

It didn’t take me long to figure out what motivates my chapter the most. Two main things drive their motivation.

The first, silly as it might sound to others, is snacks. Snacks help my group brainstorm and come up with new ideas. The second is making our school a better place. My chapter is always eager to find ways to improve the school environment, constantly pushing for positive changes. They won’t consider their work done until they see real improvements.

When it comes to personal motivation, I’ve found that sitting at a desk, playing some background music, and focusing on my most urgent assignments helps me stay on track. This approach gives me a strong sense of accomplishment and relief as I complete each task. Of course, this may not work for everyone, it’s just what works best for me.

Why Motivation Matters

If your chapter isn’t motivated, you won’t accomplish much. If you have big dreams for your SADD chapter but your team doesn’t share your enthusiasm, you’ll end up doing most of the work yourself. A motivated team will help you achieve great things.

Another key to a successful chapter is having a motivated advisor. Take a moment to think, where would you be without your advisor? Would your chapter be productive? Would you have joined SADD in the first place? A dedicated advisor plays a crucial role in keeping your chapter on track. If they’re unmotivated, staying organized and completing tasks on time can become a challenge.

One way to boost motivation is by having open conversations with your advisor. Communicating your needs and understanding what drives each other can make a big difference. When you both know what keeps you motivated, you’ll not only get more done but also enjoy the process along the way.

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For more inspiration on getting your chapter going this year, check out sadd.org/programs.