Northern Lights SADD is about to make you think differently about yourself and your friends. That is the whole idea behind our ambitious campaign "Get REAL".

"Kids always tend to overestimate the number of their friends who are using alcohol, partying, and such," says Northern Lights SADD coordinator Lee Erickson. "I think they'll be quite surprised to see the real statistics."

Proof is in the Numbers

Get REAL features state-specific and national statistics regarding alcohol use, sexual activity, traffic safety issues, and other messages. The core of the progam is the use of statistical sheets, or "factoids," which are used to get positive messages out to students.

Because the media tends to highlight the negative side of statistics, and because risky behaviors are usually discussed in the hallways of our schools more than positive behaviors are, it is no wonder young people tend to think that "everyone is doing it." We know that's not true. That is why positive messaging is so important.

It is also true, though, that young people are more apt to be involved in crashes, it is important to stress the harsh realities of the statistics to help encourage them to be safe. Therefore, the Get REAL factoids are a mixture of positive messages and stark reminders, all designed to support positive choices, attitudes, and lifestyles.

The program is designed for use at every educational level from middle school to college, and will be updated as new statistics are available or if new issues to address arise.

Be creative in the use of the factoid sheets. Here are some of the ways schools have used them:

Locker stuffers
Put under windshield wipers of cars in the parking lot
Using them as part of a trivia contest
Putting them in announcements or newsletters
Taping them above urinals in the boys' room
Taping them on the inside of stall doors in the girls' room
Posting them randomly around the school

Sample Announcements

Here are a few samples of how you can use the facts in annoucements. Naturally, they will be more effective if SADD students are the ones reading them.