How
to Implement a Community-Based Designated Driver Program
Program Planning
Operations
Partnerships
Program Marketing
Evaluation
Tips
for Specific Groups
Community
Organizations
Employers
Educators/College
Groups
Criminal Justice
Medical
and Health Care Community
Hospitality
Industry and Retailers
Armed Forces
Publicity
and Promotion
Working with
the Media
Calendar of
Year Round Ideas
Media Q&A
Resources
Partners and
Resources
Publications
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
A community's commitment to end impaired driving should involve a wide array of community and civic groups. Just about any group active in the community, from Kiwanis and other service groups, religious groups, Toastmasters, the PTA and many other organizations, can make a difference. These groups not only can inform their own members but also provide volunteer support for Designated Driver programs. Here are some ideas to get them involved:
- Publicly endorse
the community's Designated Driver program.
- Provide volunteers
to participate in existing programs or community events, such as "Lights
On For Life" day.
- Publicize the
program through news releases and public service announcements.
- Use a newsletter
to highlight facts about the consequences of impaired driving, share
non-alcoholic drink recipes and provide safe hosting tips.
- Invite speakers
to your meetings (law enforcement, emergency room doctors and nurses,
victims, etc.) to speak on the dangers of impaired driving. A source
for speakers is a local hospital or paramedic team, or a MADD chapter.
- Send letters to
the editor of the local newspaper in support of local Designated Driver
programs.
- Host a community
forum on ways to reduce impaired driving.
- Contact organizers
of events where alcohol is involved, such as Bar Crawls, to distribute
literature and encourage the use of Designated Drivers.
- Conduct fundraising
events (i.e., silent auctions, bake sales, pot luck dinners, etc.) to
provide seed money for a Designated Driver program.
MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD)
In 1980, a group of mothers
joined together to form Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Today, MADD is a recognized
leader in the fight against drunk driving and has more than 600 chapters
nationwide. MADD's focus is to look for effective solutions to the drunk driving
and underage drinking problems, while supporting those who have already
experienced the pain of these senseless crimes.
MADD's various programs address victim's assistance issues, underage
drinking, public policy and grassroots activism. Among its many programs,
MADD may best be known for its promotion and support of National Sobriety
Checkpoint Week, the Tie One on For Safety red ribbon campaign, and
passage of legislation for a national .08 BAC limit.
To start a chapter or to join as an individual member, please visit www.madd.org
