How You Can Contribute to the Shreya Dixit Foundation

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Since the tragic death of Shreya Dixit in 2007, the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation has made it its mission to prevent more loss of life from distracted driving. Through clubs, runs, podcasts and a book, the Foundation offers many ways to educate today’s drivers on how to safely use their vehicle. How can you help to contribute to the foundation’s efforts? 

The Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation sponsors clubs at high schools in Minnesota. Currently, four clubs are operating at local high schools. By leveraging peer-to-peer influence, these clubs execute projects to educate teenagers and adults alike on distraction-free driving behaviors. Club members are free to choose topics and communication media for creating compelling messages. The Foundation’s Annual 5k run is another great way to learn of and contribute to the Foundation’s efforts. The run, incepted in 2009, takes place in the first week of August; anyone is invited to learn the stories of victims of distracted driving or hear local officials speak on the importance of the prevention of distracted driving. The event uses tradition from the Raksha Bandhan festival, such as tying a symbolic band around a sibling’s wrist and praying for protection and safety. This action signifies the inseparable bond between brother and sister to emulate the same bond that exists between drivers on the road. The day of the Raksha Walk has been proclaimed as Distraction-Free Driving Awareness Day in the state of Minnesota by all Minnesota governors. 

One easy way to help the foundation is to simply tell your friends and family about it. Word-of-mouth and sharing with your circle is an effective way to grow the community. Posting on social media is an easy way of going about this. Moreover, donations are incredibly helpful to the cause of the foundation and any little bit helps. If you are interested in donating, here is the place to go: Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation Donations. So far, over $1,000 has been raised toward creating distraction-free communities around the nation! 

The chairman of the Foundation, Vijay Dixit, is the co-author of the book One Split Second which discusses the distracted driving epidemic. The book delves into how distracted driving has become a habit for so many people, giving many solutions to the problem at hand. The book also contains a foreword from U.S. Senator and 2020 Presidential Candidate, Amy Klobuchar. If you are interested in purchasing this book, here is a link: One Split Second. The Foundation also offers a podcast for those who would like to further educate themselves on the topic of distracted driving. The podcast, Distraction Free Life, has 7 episodes featuring Minnesota government officials, state troopers and more influential figures. 

There are so many ways to help the Memorial Foundation achieve their goals and keep Shreya’s legacy positive and progressive. The aforementioned resources are a starting point for you to be on your way to joining a community of others who are dedicated to saving lives on the road while sharing Shreya’s story. 

 

This article was written by Morgan Cook, Journalism Committee Intern