Beginning in February, Madison Middle School students will participate in an after school prevention program that millions of youth are involved in nationwide.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is the premier youth-based education and prevention organization in America and maintains the ability to play a leading role in effective, evidence-based prevention programming. The SADD chapter will serve as a direct link to the heart of the school system.
Using students themselves as primary agents and meaningful contributors to reduce and/or prevent the onset of underage drinking and other substances. This can be evidenced by having representation from a diverse group of students with a variety of experiences, perspectives and ideas. Meetings will be an exciting place for students to exchange ideas about their own cultures and values pertaining to a wide variety of issues.
SADD's unique approach involves young people delivering education and prevention messages to their peers through school and community-wide activities and campaigns responsive to the needs of their particular locations. Projects may include peer-led classes and theme-focused forums, teen workshops, conferences and rallies, prevention-education, leadership training, awareness-raising activities and legislative work. Independent studies have shown that students in schools with established SADD, chapters are more aware of and informed about the risks of underage drinking, other drug use. Students in schools with a SADD, chapter are also more likely to hold attitudes reflecting positive reasons not to use alcohol.
The program is funded by a five-year research grant, Strategic Prevention Framework- State Incentive Grant which is provided by the Federal Center and the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. This particular strategy was selected by the Southwest Healthy Youth Partnership as a priority risk factor to address.
Favorable Attitudes towards Drug Use-quite high for Madison (e.g. in 2006 36.2 percent at risk vs. 22.9 percent for the state).
Early Initiation of Drug Use-begin to see more elevated risk in the 2006 HYS (e.g. in 2006 27.1 percent at risk vs. 19.8 percent for the state)
Friends Use of Drugs-begin to see more elevated risk in the 2006 HYS .(e.g. in 2006 35.0 percent at risk vs. 27.8 percent for the state)
Intentions to Use- risk levels at Madison exceed state and district on all surveys.
If you would like additional information on other prevention strategies being implemented through out the community contact Renaé Gaines, SPF-SIG Community Coordinator at (206) 396-2945 or email rtgaines@seattleschools.org.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 24, 2009 at 6 p.m. (Madison Middle School).
