The acronym MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. MADD was established on September 5, 1980 with a clear cut mission to assist victims of crimes carried out by individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to assist the victim’s families as well as to make the public aware of the drug and drinking problems that exist within the country. Since its inception (29) twenty nine years ago MADD has evolved. It has gained recognition and support from a wide cross section of individuals and organization and has become one of the most well like non profit organization in America.

MADD success

Since its inception, MADD has been touching lives it as at the heart of its mission are the victims who have suffered from the hands of drunk drivers and drug abusers. Ordinary concerned citizens became extraordinary activists and ranges from city hall to the White House. Volunteers spoke about the heartbreaking losses of lives and worked assiduously towards achieving lifesaving legislation, this passion and commitment ignited social reform. With each accomplishment the group’s resolve was strengthened to do even more. America became aware as from parents to relatives, neighbours and friends have come together to form the foundation of MADD. The foundation is a group of committed, determined and dedicated men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who are currently working together as a team of one to accomplish the mission of MADD.
Volunteers have given their hard work on a full time basis to the cause as it had become their commitment and passion to save lives and this is what drives them to assist whenever, where ever and however they can. Before MADD came into existence, injuries and drunken driving deaths were simply statistics; this rarely had any effect, if any, on reducing the number of injuries and deaths due to alcohol related crashes. MADD however, flipped the script, so to speak, and brought the public’s attention to the family members, loved ones and friends instead of the cold hard statistics. This type of personal style of communication started with the organization’s founder and still continues today. Each injury and death is given a face, history and family – making it more personal so that everyone can relate whether they have similar experiences or not.
Instinctively MADD has known from the outset that the media would play a vital role in helping them achieve recognition as well as putting the solution to the drunk driving problem out to the public. MADD took its message to the streets via its volunteers and national spokesperson using the media as the envoy. Consequently public awareness and education has been raised about the dangers of drunk driving.