Newsletter MADD Teen Influencer January 2024: National Wellness Month
Walk Like MADD
Celebratory Drinking
title
text
text
text
1
by Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer The Negative Effects of Celebratory Drinking
Whether it be a birthday, a graduation party, wedding, or a get together to watch the Superbowl, many of these occasions include celebrating with alcohol. While it can be fun to indulge and enjoy, studies show that during these gatherings, the consumption of alcohol spikes. Peer pressure is often a factor when it comes to celebratory drinking, even for adults. Special occasions regularly call for a “toast” or a round of “cheers” usually with an
alcoholic drink in hand. For some, it will be double the amount of alcohol they would normally consume. Peer pressure is often a factor when it comes to celebratory drinking, even for adults. For adolescents and teens, these events might be the very first time they try alcohol. While adults are busy enjoying themselves and drinking with friends, unsupervised kids may sneak a few drinks of their own. Children model their parent’s behavior. If an adult is observed celebrating every special occasion with
MADD Teen Influencer
January 2024
a drink, it is very likely a child will feel it is a normal or necessary part of life enjoying life. Parents have the power to exhibit responsible behavior by showing the young people in their lives they don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Adults can also make sure that if their children are in attendance when drinking is involved, that they are being properly supervised or given alternative activities outside of the home. MADD offers resources created just for parents to start the conversation on how to talk to their kids about alcohol, including a parent-teen agreement complete with house rules and expectations. The attitude that kids are going to drink anyway, so why not teach them how to drink safely, is the wrong approach. Data shows that teens who drink at home are more likely to do so with their friends in ways that are risky and oftentimes reckless. The connection between parent and teen drinking is a reminder of the role parents play in influencing their kids’ risk of substance abuse. If parents want to keep their kids from drinking every time a special occasion occurs, they should begin by looking at their own consumption.
Teens can also play an important role by deciding early on to refrain from drinking, no matter the amount of peer pressure that might come at parties or gatherings. By arranging alternative plans with friends instead of attending a party where alcohol will be present, teens can take control and make safer choices. This boosts self-confidence and creates a community of like-minded peers.
Activities like going to the movies, bowling, or even roller or ice skating, can be a fun and active way to connect with others without feeling the pressure to drink. Additionally, if parents take the time to prepare for tough conversations about the dangers of celebratory drinking with their teens, they can be a part of the planning process. Offering to host a supervised party or a dinner for a few friends or just spending one on one time with their teen can make a huge impact. These strategies can help parents relay to their teens that there are numerous ways to make life’s milestones unforgettable without drinking.
MADD Teen Influencer
January 2024
Walk Like MADD 2
Kelly Haliburton, MADD Teen Influencer
Walking and collaborating with MADD in their unique fundraising events is an effective way to raise awareness of drunk driving incidents. Walk Like MADD, a signature fundraising event hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, offers volunteers the opportunity to walk long distances as a detailed event to promote DUI restrictions and safe driving practices. Here is the latest news about the latest Walk Like MADD events.
The Mission Behind Walk Like MADD Since Candy Lightner’s daughter was killed in a drunk-driving incident in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Nobody should become a statistic or casualty of such preventable crimes. While every national MADD chapter aims to prevent drunk driving incidents, this program is primarily for fundraising and community involvement.
The impact of Lightner’s loss continues to impact society today. Walk Like MADD has enabled staff and volunteers to communicate with law enforcement and establish laws to prevent tragic cases such as Carre Lightner’s. With Mothers Against Drunk Driving, every step counts. The Relevance of Fundraising Volunteering to save lives is the perfect way to start 2024. When taking part in Walk Like MADD events, you will meet advocates who share similar passions. Together, you and your local MADD team will raise awareness in fun, engaging ways. Who doesn’t love to boast about a 5K Dash? Every year serves as a delightful opportunity to improve the world, one mission at a time. But why is drunk driving awareness relevant, despite multiple laws in place? Statistics show that most people will be impacted by drunk driving at least once in their lifetime. Mothers Against Drunk Driving effectively targets this issue and encourages volunteers to attend Walk Like MADD events to support its cause.
MADD Teen Influencer
January 2024
How to Become Involved Walk Like MADD has incorporated physical activity with advocacy, which makes this fundraiser unique from other programs. To encourage continuous participation, this program encourages using its app (Walk Like MADD DonorDrive app) from the Google Play Store. The app
features unlockable badges along with fundraising trackers. With this useful tool, you won’t miss the latest events. Another way to support this organization is starting Walk Like MADD events in your local region. The more you engage in participant fundraising, the more likely you are to earn special prizes! Visit www.walklikemadd.org to learn how to qualify. Teenagers’ Role in Advocacy Walk Like MADD encourages both adults and minors to participate in local community events. Since the youth of today will become future leaders, teen involvement is essential to make Walk Like MADD’s mission possible. Regardless of their age group, everyone has the potential to raise awareness about drunk driving and underage drinking. MADD hosts the Power of You(th) and Teen Influencer programs for teenagers to get involved. Teen Influencers work in teams with MADD chaperones to advocate for awareness and engage with in-person activities. They strengthen the community through writing newsletters, designing social media posts, and more. If you are interested in becoming one, consider visiting the official website to apply.
Nominate an Influencer of the Month! Do you know an influential teen who is a great role model? We would love to spotlight them! Click on the icon to the left or use the link below to share why they should be MADD's Influencer of the Month!
TINYURL.COM/MADDIOTM
MADD Teen Influencer
January 2024
Take A Stand Against Underage Drinking & Other Drugs Scan or click the code to take the pledge! 3 Walk Like MADD provides the means to impact your local community in a meaningful way, while reducing the risk of drunk driving incidents and underage drinking occurrences. Start your year as an advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving! We look forward to having you on board to save lives this 2024.
!. Choose not to drink or use other drugs under the age of 21. 2. Make a pact with your friends to do the same. 3. Never let a friend drive impaired, and never ride with an impaired driver. 4. Have a plan for a situation where there’s alcohol or other drugs; look out for others. 5. Respect the road by being a safe driver and a considerate passenger.
Ask A Teen Influencer Looking for some advice? Submit questions anonymously with the link below or by clicking on the icon to the left. MADD Teen Influencers may respond to your question on the next episode of Healthy Teen Talks! TINYURL.COM/MADDTEENADVICE MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. The purpose of the Teen Influencer Group is to provide leadership development for teens by training them to be peer-to-peer educators. These teens provide MADD with the youth perspective and use their voice to educate the public. By reducing and then eliminating underage drinking, these teens will help MADD end drunk driving.
@MADDCalifornia
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker