Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded 25 years ago by a mother grieving the loss of her daughter in a drunk driving accident. It has grown into one of the largest non-profit organizations focused on ending drunk driving, supporting victims, and preventing underage drinking. The document discusses MADD's mission, programs and goals, the author's personal connection to their cause through a family member's death in a drunk driving accident, and ways for readers to get involved through donations or accessing support materials.

1. By: VinaMelara October 18,2010

2. MothersAgainst Drunk Driving

3. ABOUT THE FOUNDATION Twenty-five years ago, a heart broken mother made a pledge in her deceased daughter’s bedroom. She would do something about the outrage of drunk driving—a decision that quickly inspired a handful of grieving, determined mothers to join in the fight. And though united in cause, they had no office, no money and no clout. In fact, all they had was sorrow, pluck and a picture of a pretty, 13-year-old girl killed by a drunk driver. Yet they initiated one of the great grassroots successes in American history. n They were as their name suggests: MADD.

4. MISSION TO AID THE VICTIMS OF CRIMES PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, TO AID THE FAMILIES OF SUCH VICTIMS AND TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF DRINKING AND DRUGGED DRIVING.

5. Program and Goal Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) make significant progress on their mission to stop drunk driving, serve the victims of this violent crime and prevent under-age drinking. They are very grateful for everyone's support, and with sustained commitment, they will be able to do more to save lives and help victims impacted by drunk driving.

6. My personal connection I have personally seen the effects of alcohol in many families, even mine. Twenty years ago my cousin was coming from the beach in the country of El Salvador and he got into a horrible car accident he had taken some drinks. He lost control of his car on a curve and he was ejected from it and died. He did not crashed with anyone else and no one else got injured, but I could have been in that accident as well. That morning he had offered to take me out with him and I had said no.

7. Agency Name and Location National Office is at: CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICE/ GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA 4629 WHITNEY AVENUE #7 SACRAMENTO, CA 95821 Phone: (916)481-6233 Fax: (916)485-9623 Email: ca.state@madd.org 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway Suite 700 Irving

8. Need in the Community Since their beginning, MADD has helped save more than 300,000 lives. While they are proud of their achievements, and salientamount of lives saved, they realize there is much more to be done. Last year, nearly 12,000people lost their lives in drunk driving crashes, and another half million were injured.

9. INPUT They also realize that their continued success depends on their shared passion and partnerships with key community partners in law enforcement just legislatures, schools, volunteer, donors, and all our other MADD advocates.

10. Problem in the Community Until we stop drunk driving, our lives and the futures of those we love are vulnerable.

11. OUTPUT MADD advocatesincreased law enforcement, ignition interlocks to prevent repeat offenders from driving, and grassroots supports from caring people like you.

12. Why I chose to help this cause It is so easy to explicate the reason why I chose to help this cause. As a mother, wife, sister and friend I would hate to loose anyone I love, due to wreck less driving and careless behavior all due to drinking under the influence.

14. Injured brochures

15. Children brochures

16. Teenager brochures

17. Legal brochures

18. Intervention brochures

20. Critical Action Donate now! MADD lifesaving work is possible because of caring people like you!!