<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[SADD, inc  ]]></title><description><![CDATA[SADD empowers and mobilizes students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making. ]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/newsroom</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:42:44 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.sadd.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Drop the “A-Word”: Why It’s Time to Stop Calling Crashes “Accidents”]]></title><description><![CDATA[We hear the word accident everywhere — in news headlines, conversations with friends, and even when describing our own experiences on the road. But more and more safety advocates are asking us to rethink that word entirely. They’re calling on all of us — from Boomers to Zoomers — to drop the “A-Word.”]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/drop-the-a-word-why-it-s-time-to-stop-calling-crashes-accidents</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6957d34916732b41e9a67b28</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:01:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_eb78c4c68fa948f7ac832576bd51e4e0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Carol Lucio</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Students Need SADD: A Personal Story and a Call to Action]]></title><description><![CDATA[In one moment, we were robbed of him. Robbed of more memories, more laughter, more moments together. I lost my brother.

That loss reshaped my life. I carry grief, confusion, and a deep sense of responsibility — not guilt, but a determination to make sure other families would never feel what mine did. That determination is what led me to SADD.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/why-students-need-sadd-a-personal-story-and-a-call-to-action</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693c4abc3fd6b1eb4d0660e3</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:19:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_7646a221ec534a9b9b1c64aa8dc28748~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Donya Kurdi</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SADD: Changing the World, and Me]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I was younger, I didn’t have many friends, and I didn’t get out of the house much either. I managed to sneak my way up to high school without talking much, but once I got to high school, my parents told me I needed to join an activity to get out of the house. I was mortified. Being forced out of my comfort zone was the furthest thing from what I wanted to do. So, after thinking about what to join, I decided to join SADD. ]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/sadd-changing-the-world-and-me</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a29a19eb34d9652f55463d0</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:42:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_a2de0f3104df408da6784a5ce3ac4abd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cole Kruger</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safe Sips]]></title><description><![CDATA[Imagine meeting a first date at a bar. Things start to get awkward… then turn creepy… and become flat-out, red-flag dangerous. What’s your next move?

Many women find a temporary safe haven in the bar’s restroom—and that is where Safe Sips Posters are designed to help increase nightlife safety.

Safe Sips Posters are a different type of menu available to bar patrons. Instead of food choices, they list personal safety information.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/safe-sips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69efbb8cd00855f52b1ec9fa</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:00:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_37975a5003fa4a08afbcc03c477808b2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Audrey Malanga</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managing Stress Behind the Wheel: A Guide for New Drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first time you drive on your own can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. As a new driver, it is completely normal to experience stress. There are a lot of things happening at once: watching the road, checking mirrors, paying attention to other drivers, and making quick decisions. Add in the pressure of running late or having friends in the car, and that stress can build quickly.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/managing-stress-behind-the-wheel-a-guide-for-new-drivers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69efc55fd3f2ae6dd911ed14</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 19:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_bc5a67cb27964bbc8776aa792e5b9c3c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Hannah West</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Graduation Season: Celebrating Safely and Driving Toward a Stronger Future]]></title><description><![CDATA[Graduation season is a time of celebration, reflection, and excitement for what lies ahead. Caps and gowns symbolize years of hard work, personal growth, and perseverance. For many students, graduation also represents a new level of independence—new schedules, new responsibilities, and more freedom behind the wheel.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/graduation-season-celebrating-safely-and-driving-toward-a-stronger-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69efc7767cb0726b2da859fe</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_4f472426bee54554b42956a72480cf8d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Stacey Waddell</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[TRAILERS AND SAFETY TIPS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Warm weather will be here soon, and in South Dakota that means our highways will be filled with recreational vehicles. It is always wise to remember that if you are pulling a boat, a camper, a load of side-by-sides, or a livestock trailer, there are several things we need to keep in mind. We want to enjoy the great outdoors, but we also want to arrive safely and keep ourselves and those around us safe.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/trailers-and-safety-tips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a048e3ee8ad7aab1e5f7653</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 14:47:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_151d4ac3674e42c39af28e1917790c29~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>JoAnne Ovall</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[It Starts With Us]]></title><description><![CDATA[National Prevention Week comes around every year, but prevention is not just something we focus on for a few days and move on from.

This work is everyday.

It shows up in the choices people make when nobody is watching. It shows up in conversations that might feel small but actually matter a whole lot.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/it-starts-with-us</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5304b33362686b5d5ee80</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advisor Corner]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 18:31:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_758d362f77a14bdea17e675f85ccb5b3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Laporsha Walker</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mental Health Awareness Month]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mental Health Awareness Month is not just a month on the calendar for the sake of recognition. It is a reminder that the battles in your brain matter and that healing is always possible.

Although it is important to recognize mental health and prioritize well-being every month, May offers an even more immediate reminder that it is okay to not be okay—and that it is okay to ask for help. ]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/mental-health-awareness-month</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d52f32fc74251ed3c353c6</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 18:25:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_5559bcb9d12b46769e7821757b0cbe15~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator> Tasneema Kausar Shaik</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What the World’s Roads Taught Me About Traffic Safety]]></title><description><![CDATA[From Ecuador to India to the United States, roadway cultures may look different—but one lesson remains the same: staying alert and looking out for each other saves lives.

Every May, we recognize Global Youth Traffic Safety Month (GYTSM)—a time dedicated to raising awareness about safe choices on our roadways and highlighting the powerful role young people play in preventing crashes.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/what-the-world-s-roads-taught-me-about-traffic-safety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d50ba933362686b5d59bb8</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 15:54:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_a84e16dec3474b21bb42b39b410a6c35~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Carol Lucio</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Good Choices Start with Good Mental Health: Join the Positivity Pledge]]></title><description><![CDATA[SADD members! Discover how the Erika’s Lighthouse Positivity Pledge helps students make better life choices through 31 days of mental health action.

Key Takeaways
Foundational Wellness: Strong mental health is the "pre-requisite" for making positive decisions and avoiding destructive behaviors.

Daily Discipline: The Positivity Pledge provides 31 days of structured activities that build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

SADD &#38; ELH Partnership: As official partner]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/good-choices-start-with-good-mental-health-join-the-positivity-pledge</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69efb8c324f9d3e5cd6e0372</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:38:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_13654ade473a4e829e7dd63ed8f385cc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Derick Elkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks to Being a Helpful and Empowered Passenger]]></title><description><![CDATA[As many of you are learning how to drive for the first time, your friends are likely learning at the same time. While this means fun trips to the mall without mom, dad, or another loving adult tagging along, it also comes with a lot of responsibility as you begin driving one another around.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/tips-and-tricks-to-being-a-helpful-and-empowered-passenger</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d509d710427b2b314947e8</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:48:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_09b72e0fc1ab4fc0a52a48ed1f53b341~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emma Mays</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tackling Fentanyl Awareness in the Classroom: My Journey]]></title><description><![CDATA[National Fentanyl Awareness Day is April 29th.

Fentanyl: a word we’ve all heard. Whether it’s through stories on the news, local community conversations, or general warnings, it has taken over the illicit drug market with its lethal effects. According to the CDC, from 2019 to 2021, 65% of youth who died from an overdose had no documented history of opioid use, with many of these overdoses caused by unknown fentanyl poisoning.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/tackling-fentanyl-awareness-in-the-classroom-my-journey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7bb4e87a5c2e7c1370ddc</guid><category><![CDATA[Substance Abuse Prevention]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:07:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_faa14e9aef944ec7b0e17f0c77fb1daf~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sarah Nadeem</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prom Season: The Night You’ll Remember and the Choices You’ll Carry With You]]></title><description><![CDATA[Prom season is finally here. The outfits are ready. The playlists are set. Dinner plans are locked in. The group chats are nonstop. Prom is one of those moments in high school that just feels big in the best way. Big energy. Big laughs. Big memories. It is the kind of night people talk about for years.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/prom-season-the-night-you-ll-remember-and-the-choices-you-ll-carry-with-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b83c60da52b219c85fdaff</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Substance Abuse Prevention]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:26:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_46267b2914af4ed6b01140b88b2fe030~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Olivia Hollis</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alcohol Awareness Month: Reducing the Stigma + Gen Z]]></title><description><![CDATA[Recent research shows that Gen Z drinks less than previous generations, and as someone who is part of Gen Z, that doesn’t surprise me. This generation is far more open about mental health and more aware of how alcohol can affect both mental and physical well-being. Students are paying attention to how drinking impacts their mood, anxiety, sleep, focus, and overall sense of control; many are choosing to step back because of it.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/alcohol-awareness-month-reducing-the-stigma-gen-z</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b834a37a34d5f0ef6d0919</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Substance Abuse Prevention]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:55:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_5ed711258cf641b2ba2f73154d299a34~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Deanna Grossi</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Eyes Forward: Your Choices Behind the Wheel Matter]]></title><description><![CDATA[April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and at SADD, this is one of the conversations that matters most. For teens, distracted driving is not just a statistic. It is something that affects friend groups, families, and entire communities.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/eyes-forward-your-choices-behind-the-wheel-matter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b8293cfaed8c5e63c80b9d</guid><category><![CDATA[Traffic Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:30:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_80bc9ef90570445790afd8bdef358933~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Laporsha Walker</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Internship reflection]]></title><description><![CDATA[I found SADD during my initial search for a program that could fulfill my academic credit for my practicums. It was required that I find an organization where I could apply my knowledge in a real-world professional setting. When reading the details of the role of a Community Engagement Intern, I was pleased to learn that SADD’s chapter model is based on a peer-to-peer network and is student-led.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/internship-reflection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b826b6bae3e800161a8913</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:30:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_491d6a0fa3a34d24a9576f68aa012466~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kai Ingco</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Becoming a SADD Advisor: What to Expect]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a first-time SADD advisor, I initially wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the mission of promoting safe decision-making was important; I have seen too many students impacted by poor decisions. I quickly learned, however, that the role involves much more than just supervising meetings.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/becoming-a-sadd-advisor-what-to-expect</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6998b4c69183e7d001922479</guid><category><![CDATA[Advisor Corner]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:28:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_79823fe421ed4e51b5e77ecd6556fdfe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rese Meres</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Great Reset: Prioritizing Sleep for Your Overall Health and Wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[This year, from March 8th to 14th, marks the annual National Sleep Awareness Week. This campaign, created by the National Sleep Foundation, is focused on promoting the importance of sleep health and calling attention to existing sleep disorders. By doing so, this organization provides evidence-based information on the benefits of quality sleep and how it impacts your health and well-being. Here, we will review the importance of resting, why it matters, and how to achieve better slumber. ]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/the-great-reset-prioritizing-sleep-for-your-overall-health-and-wellbeing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6998b3596624c1d60f16bc59</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:30:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_6579161df8a743daae0b364eb33b1ca6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Kai Ingco</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unplug to Reconnect: Why It Matters for Teens]]></title><description><![CDATA[National Day of Unplugging is a chance to slow down and take a breath from the constant noise. At SADD, we know phones and technology are a big part of teens’ lives, but so are your mental health, your focus, and your safety.]]></description><link>https://www.sadd.org/post/unplug-to-reconnect-why-it-matters-for-teens</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a6f3745f34dbe2951da3b3</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Health & Safety]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:49:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db50e2_0888bc405feb4c7bba4e8fc323ec8271~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Laporsha Walker</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>