Summer provides an essential break from the rigorous academic year, it also offers an opportunity for proactive planning. After the intense pressure of AP exams, state tests, and finals, we all deserve a breather. I know firsthand the stress of wrapping up a school year and I'm sure most high schoolers can relate. Prioritizing mental health and self-care becomes imperative during the summer. But what follows this much-needed rest?
Once we’ve had the chance to unwind, summer presents an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. Setting goals and starting early preparation can give us an advantage and reduce stress during the school year. By using our downtime effectively, we can ensure that our initiatives within SADD are organized, our goals are clear, and our momentum is unstoppable when the new year begins.
Here are two ways to utilize the summer to proactively prepare for a successful SADD school year:
1) Set Clear Goals I founded the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine (CSSM) SADD Chapter with the help of my advisors, understanding SADD's potential impact on our community. When we first began hosting activities within our chapter, I quickly learned that not everything goes as planned. Sometimes other events would coincide with our scheduled SADD activities. However, these challenges taught me the importance of reflection. After every event or meeting, our SADD chapter reflects on what happened, identifies areas for improvement, and pinpoints our weaknesses to turn them into strengths for future events. This reflective practice is crucial when setting clear goals for your chapter.
Ask yourself: What can your SADD chapter improve from the previous year? What were your strengths? By considering these questions, you and your SADD team can establish goals to enhance your chapter. Whether it’s reducing instances of distracted driving, promoting mental health awareness, or increasing membership, having clear goals paves the way for a smooth year.
Use the SMART criteria for setting a goal with a direction and purpose:
Specific The goal should be specific and clear and answer the questions of what, where, when, and how.
Measurable Make sure your goal has a set criteria for measuring accomplishment.
Achievable The goal should be realistic within the available resources and time.
Relevant The goal should align with SADD’s core objectives and be relevant to the mission of SADD.
Time-Based Your goal should have a clear deadline to prompt timely action.
2) Develop a Plan With goals in mind, develop a plan to achieve them. For instance, our SADD CSSM chapter holds monthly Zoom meetings over the summer. During the meetings, we outline specific actions, identify resources, and assign responsibilities. This proactive approach ensures that we are prepared, enabling us to start the new year strong with well-planned initiatives.
Consider what your SADD chapter can do to make a detailed plan so that you are well-prepared as you move into the new year. Preparing ahead allows for a smooth transition and a greater chance of creating meaningful change in your school community. Good luck, I can’t wait to see what all of your chapters accomplish this year SADD Nation!
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Looking for ideas to get your chapter motivated? Check out sadd.org/programs and review the Mobilization Calendar to plan out the year.
This is such a great idea! Using the summer to plan ahead for the SADD school year can really set the tone for success. It's the perfect time to brainstorm events, build relationships with new members, and maybe even get a head start on awareness campaigns. I’ve found that having a solid plan going into the school year makes everything run smoother and gives you more time to focus on making an impact. Definitely agree that being proactive can make all the difference! hill climb racing
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