Sororities Spread Hunter's Pledge to End Distracted Driving

In 2017, Hunter’s Fund launched its first Safe Driving Campaign at Syracuse University. Hosted by Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, the pledge-signing-and-fundraising effort soon caught on with Phi Kappa Psi chapters around the country.

By early 2020, more than two dozen fraternity chapters were taking part on campuses nationwide. Over 17,000 students and friends signed “Hunter’s Pledge to end distracted driving.”

Now, Hunter’s Fund is rolling out a new version of its campaign specifically for sororities.

“We’ve been looking for a way to expand our efforts onto campuses without a Phi Kappa Psi chapter,” said Jerry Watson, who helped found Hunter’s Fund following a distracted driving accident that claimed his son’s life in 2016. “There’s been a lot of interest and enthusiasm among the young women’s groups.”

Hunter’s Fund provides free materials and easy-to-follow instructions. Unlike the days-long initiative of the original Safe Driving Campaign, sororities can complete the new pledge drive in less than an hour during a chapter meeting or another house-wide event. 

Kappa Kappa Gamma at Simpson College, Tri Delta at Coe College, and Alpha Sigma Epsilon at Emporia College rolled out the effort in their chapters in early 2020.

Alpha Sigma Epsilon’s Natalee Sharp said, “I was excited about this opportunity to educate members as to how serious an issue distracted driving is.”

Natalee ordered the kit online, set up informational posters, and delivered a short message from the talking points provided. “I encouraged everyone to sign the pledge to help save their own lives and the lives of those around them … and every girl did.”

Natalee was further encouraged that her sisters began wearing the wristbands and using the reminder pens that were included in the kit. “That reinforced to me that the pledge was really something they took to heart. It was an amazing opportunity.”

Participating chapter members are further invited to donate a gift to Hunter’s Fund to help expand the effort to more sororities, spreading this nationwide campaign to reduce the loss of life from something entirely preventable.

Get Involved

Does your sorority or fraternity want to get involved? Click here for more information, or contact Natalie Kwon natalie@hunterwatson.org.

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.

Simpson College Kappa Alpha sorority hosts Hunter’s Pledge signing night.