 Alcohol is available to young people every day of the year. We think alcohol-free messages should be, too. That's why MADD created THINK—the first year-round campaign designed to help high school students avoid underage drinking.
Nationally sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, THINK.® is a friend-to-friend accountability program that encourages students to "make the right call"— and pledge to be alcohol and drug free throughout the school year. THINK. focuses on the heavier party seasons of homecoming and prom but also addresses sporting events, holidays, spring break, graduation and summer vacation.
Why THINK
The facts about teens and alcohol make it clear that drinking is a significant problem for high school students throughout the year—and especially at homecoming and prom time.
- Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice among teens in America.
- Alcohol kills more young people than all illicit drugs combined.
- Each year, more than 6,000 young people ages 15-20 are killed due to alcohol-related causes, including homicides, suicides, car crashes, falls, burnings, drowning sand more.
- This doesn’t take into account the other consequences that occur, including violence, sexual assault, date rape, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancies
- Alcohol-related traffic deaths among 15-20 year olds are typically higher during homecoming and prom weekends than other times of the year.
THINK. 101: The Basics
Using a combination of peer participation, creative party ideas, and lots of materials and support, THINK. turns single events into a consistent, yearlong campaign. And best of all, it can typically happen for less than $1 per student.
Here's how it works:
- Your school orders a Pledge Pack that includes a giant pledge banner, individual pledge sheets and a powerful DVD presentation. You also get safety posters and ID cards, cool freebies and access to the special, interactive Web site think.madd.org.
- Students organize the campaign, lead the pledge drive and put on other events to encourage friends to party safe and sober all year long.
- At the same time, your local MADD office and Nationwide Insurance agents team up with your school to help plan local media events and get the word out to the community.
- Once the campaign starts, young lives are influenced for the better, your school looks great and everyone wins.
National Sponsor
MADD thanks Nationwide Insurance for its commitment as the national sponsor of THINK. Your local Nationwide agent can serve as a partner in helping you bring the program to your community.
For more information visit think.madd.org.
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