What else is your state doing to raise awareness?

I think it is important to recognize cities and states that are holding events to raise awareness for seat belt safety.  Most states participate in the “Click it or Ticket” seat belt enforcement that takes place May 18th – 31^st, but what else is being done? After much research, I’d like to spotlight a few events that are taking place all over the US.

Alabama~ Drive Safe Alabama campaign http://drivesafealabama.org/uploads/files/SafetySpotlight_JanFeb_2015.pdf

Colorado ~ Alexa’s Hugs Golf Tournament http://www.alexahugs.com/Events.php

Florida ~ Always Wear Your Seat Belt, http://s431722278.onlinehome.us/wordpress/

Idaho ~ Buckle Up For Bobby Family Fun Run/Walk http://buckleupforbobby.com/events

Illinois ~ Buckle Up Illinois public recognition campaign http://www.buckleupillinois.org/Saved_by_the_Belt.asp

Kansas ~ 127 School take part in the SAFE program http://cjonline.com/news/local/2015-02-20/seat-belt-initiative-targeting-kansas-teen-drivers-begins-monday

Maine ~ Buckle Up, No Excuses Campaign http://www.penbaypilot.com/article/knox-county-sheriffs-office-take-part-new-seat-belt-awareness-campaign/33376

Michigan ~ Seat Belt campaign called “Buckling Up” http://www.monroenews.com/news/2015/may/18/seat-belt-campaign-planned-landmarks-also/

Missouri ~ Arrive Alive, March 15^th -31^st they held a Youth Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign.

http://savemolives.com/campaigns/details/youth-seat-belt-enforcement-campaign

Montana~ Buckle Up Montana Saved by the Belt Award http://www.cchdmt.org/2015/03/buckle-up-montana-saved-by-the-belt-award/

New York ~ Hosted a webinar in April for Seat Belt Enforcement http://www.nlelp.org/2015-ciot-webinar/

North Dakota ~  The month of July they are doing Seat Belt Enforcement http://www.ndcodefortheroad.org/events/

Texas ~ Luke’s Locker 5K race/walk www.lukeslocker.com/Events/Event_Detail.aspx?eID=8772

It's not all about you!

Anyone who competes in pageants can tell you that you need to be sure to have your pretty face on whenever you go out. You never know when or what picture you might end up in. I love this part of pageants. Getting dressed up, having my hair and makeup done, feeling all glamorous! Don’t get me wrong, there is WAY more to pageants than getting dressed up. Pageant ladies are some of the hardest working women I know.

Not only do they have family, work, and or school; but most pageant ladies seem to manage to volunteer ten plus hours a week. For me volunteering is something that comes natural. I have my parents to thank for that. I’m sure my kids will thank me one day too.  Some may wonder “why do you volunteer?” For me, I enjoy being out in my community and state. I like to meet new people and make new connections. It is a privilege to be able to serve, and if I did not like volunteering I would not do it; you don’t get paid to volunteer, so it’s not that you have to be there.

I have had many doors open for me through volunteering. It is inspiring to most people to see someone who is willing to work and not be paid, especially if you are a hard worker and dependable. Not all opportunities are exciting and flashy, but do you volunteer to be seen or do you volunteer to fill a need? Before you tell someone “I’d love to help, sign me up” make sure you know what is expected from you.  Be sure you are able and willing to give it your all. Don’t be afraid to turn down an opportunity if you feel that you are not going to be the best you. I would rather turn someone down than show up and do a poor job. Remember, you are there to help someone else, volunteering is not all about you!