MADD WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Pennsylvania State Organization

Transcription

1 MADD WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Pennsylvania State Organization

2 Two Short Words. One Powerful Question. Why Me? It s not unusual to hear people asking Why me? when it comes to drunk driving. Unfortunately, it s usually because drunk driving has had a devastating impact on them or someone they know. But right now, you have an opportunity to ask that question not in a context of anger and despair, but of hope and possibility not after a tragedy, but to help prevent one. That s why Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Pennsylvania created this brochure. In the following pages, you ll learn about just a few of the things MADD PA is doing. As you re reading, ask yourself, Why me? What can I do to help MADD fight drunk driving in my community? What role can I play in saving someone s life? Because whoever you are, and however drunk driving has or hasn t affected you, there is something you can do. Take the first step towards fighting our country s number one violent crime. Become a MADD PA volunteer.

3 Victim Advocacy My name is Angela Davis. Why did I become a MADD PA volunteer? My mother, Julia, was just 41 when a drunk driver killed her. Years later, another drunk driver killed my sister, Imani and she was just 41, too. One family. A pair of senseless tragedies. And I, myself, spent countless hours in surgery and two years in a wheelchair. Help MADD s Victim Services Committee support drunk driving victims in their greatest moments of need. Speak on victim impact panels. Coordinate support groups and candlelight vigils. Train to become a MADD victim advocate; provide drunk driving victims with emotional and legal support. Public Policy MADD I m Dr. Bryce Templeton. Why did I become a MADD PA volunteer? I lost my son Jim to a repeat drunk driving offender. Jim was a fourth year medical student, and his future was cut short for no reason. Tragedies like these simply don t have to occur. MADD s Public Policy Committee is working hard to prevent drunk driving through our system of law. Help enact new laws and provide support for the enforcement of current ones. Visit, call, and write to our legislators. Become a court monitor; attend trials and hearings to ensure that laws are being followed and appropriate penalties delivered.

4 Fundraising My name is Ramona Santiago. Why did I become a MADD PA volunteer? Because when I needed help, MADD was there for me. A few years ago, a drunk driver hit the car my partner Carol and I were in head on. The impact crushed my spine and pinned me to the seat. Not a day goes by without pain. MADD does incredibly important, lifesaving work work that wouldn t be possible without financial help. Get involved with MADD s fundraising efforts. Help organize state and local fundraisers. Volunteer a few hours to answer phones and help out with other office duties. Make a financial contribution. Public Awareness My name is Dr. David Bower. Why did I become a MADD PA volunteer? In 1977, I drove home after drinking at a wedding. I killed someone. And I changed my own life forever, too. I didn t join MADD to erase the sadness I created. Nothing can do that. But fighting a problem as widespread and devastating as drunk driving takes all kinds of people, with all types of perspectives. MADD s public awareness programs need all the voices they can get. MADD Present facts and solutions to schools and communities as a MADD speaker. Help write and design MADD newsletters and other materials. Help MADD recruit other volunteers.

5 Leadership I m Dave Smyk. Why did I become a MADD PA volunteer? My dad was committed to all sorts of volunteer work during his lifetime. After he passed away, I realized it was time for me to give something back, too. With children almost old enough to drive at the time, I took one look at the countless drunk driving deaths in the paper and knew what I had to do. MADD is always looking for people able to step up and take leadership roles in their community regardless of whether they ve been affected by drunk driving. Get involved at the state or local level as a MADD pointof-contact or coordinator. Join your regional MADD advisory council and help guide us in our mission to save lives. Youth Initiatives Our names are Jenna & Laura Sposato. Why did our mother Linda become a MADD PA volunteer? Our sister Bernadette used to dream of researching cures for diseases. Four days before she went away to college on a genetic engineering scholarship, a drunk driver stole her dream, and her life. Join one of MADD s committees to fight underage drinking. Speak to youth audiences, parents groups, and legislators. Start a chapter of UMADD at your local college or university. Promote the MADD Protecting You, Protecting Me program at local elementary schools.

6 HELP MADD Help your community. MADD s threefold mission is to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. Help MADD PA address these issues in your community. Visit to learn more about our programs and to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Pennsylvania State Organization