Show Up Your Way
A new term is here, and with it comes a fresh chance to make a difference.
Term 3 can be a busy one. The weather's still cold, school work starts to ramp up, and it can be easy to slip into autopilot. That's exactly why this is the perfect time to show up.
Showing up doesn't mean being the loudest person in the room or running the biggest event at school. It means choosing to take action. It means doing something that helps create a safer, more supportive community, no matter how big or small that action is.
That's what our Show Up campaign is all about.
Whether you're organising a lunchtime activity, sharing a road safety message on social media, checking in on a mate, promoting sober driving before a school ball, running a quick classroom challenge, or simply starting conversations that matter, it all counts. Every action has the potential to influence someone else.
The best part? There isn't one "right" way to participate.
Every SADD group is different. Some schools have large committees and packed calendars. Others are just getting started. Some students have hours to dedicate each week, while others might only have time for one activity this term. Wherever you're at, there's a place for you in Show Up.
This campaign isn't about perfection. It's about participation.
Need some inspiration?
Showing up can look different at every school, and every action makes a difference. Here are just a few ways you could get involved this term:
Run a lunchtime challenge or game that gets people talking about road safety.
Share a weekly road safety tip or Show Up message on your school's social media.
Put up posters around school or create your own awareness display (you can order posters here)
Encourage your friends to be the sober driver or plan a safe way home before a party or event.
Host a quiz, competition or scavenger hunt with a road safety theme.
Use one of SADD's ready-made activities with your committee or class.
Thank someone who consistently shows up for others, whether it's a friend, teacher or family member.
Create a short video or reel sharing what "showing up" means to you.
Start conversations about topics like distractions, speed, peer pressure or looking after your mates.
Welcome new members to your SADD group and encourage them to get involved.
Team up with another club or group at your school to create an activity together.
Come up with your own idea. If it encourages safer choices and gets people thinking, it counts!
Remember, you don't have to do everything. Even one small action can start a conversation, influence a friend, or inspire someone else to make a safer choice.
When young people choose to take action, they help create a culture where safer choices become normal. One conversation can change someone's thinking. One activity can start a movement in your school. One decision to step up can inspire someone else to do the same.
So this term, challenge yourself to do something.
It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be a start.
Show up for your friends.
Show up for your school.
Show up for your community.
Most importantly, show up because your actions matter.
We'd love to see what you get up to!
Whatever you decide to do this term, tell us about it!
One of the best parts of SADD is seeing the awesome ideas happening in schools all around Aotearoa. Whether it's a big event, a small awareness activity, or simply a conversation that got people thinking, we want to celebrate it.
If you can, send us some photos too. We love sharing your stories and inspiring other schools with the amazing things you're doing.
There's no right way to report back. Whatever works for you is perfect. You can:
Email your Programme Delivery Lead (find out their details here)
Submit your activity using the reporting tool on the Activity Hub page.
Tag @SADDNZ on social media so we can see and share your posts.
Nominate yourself or your group for a SADD Impact Award.
However you choose to tell us, we just want to know! Every activity helps us celebrate your impact, recognise the incredible work happening in schools, and inspire other students to show up too.
This term, let's turn good intentions into action. Every action counts, every story matters, and every person has the power to make a difference.