Women's organizations
Drinking and driving has been a large problem in society and still at the present day persists as an issue. Although the problem has diminished over the years it still exists as a concern. Mothers against drunk driving (MADD) is an organization that was established in outrage and with concern about drinking and driving. They have exemplified the difference between right and wrong and since the establishment of the organization, the concern and awareness for drunk driving has heightened and the amount of drinking and driving has decreased. The purpose of establishing the group was to provide victims support and to change policies about drunk driving and to resolve that it is a criminal offense. The organization was established by a group of outraged mothers in the early 1980’s. The organization was set out to ascertain that drunk driving is wrong, unacceptable and is a criminal act. Along with establishing drunk driving as immoral they also set themselves up to be a victims support group. Their mission overtime has developed and changed. MADD initially stood for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and its mission was “To mobilize victims and their allies to establish the public conviction that impaired driving is unacceptable and criminal in order to promote corresponding public policy, programs and personal accountability.” Over time MADD’s mission had evolved and their name was changed to stand for Mothers Against Drunk Driving their mission was also altered to consider their name. “In 1984, MADD changed its name to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to reflect its mission to eliminate a crime and to focus on the act of drunk driving. Following the name change, MADD condensed its mission statement to “stop drunk driving and to support victims of this violent crime.” Among the promotion of their mission they incorporated many other things since the beginning of their foundation and this has lead to further development of their organization and another alteration of the mission. After years of promoting prevention of underage drinking they just last year added to their mission to encompass their efforts. “Last year, MADD updated its mission statement to reflect its long-running efforts to prevent underage drinking. The new mission is, to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking, reinforces MADD’s commitment to reach out to young people.” Along with the progression of their mission the numbers of the organization has been on a steady rise, the organization’s membership has significantly increased since its origin. MADD began as a small number of angry mothers that has now developed into an extremely well known large organization. It all began back in 1979 when a five-and-a-half-month-old and her mother were hit head on by speeding, repeat drunk driver offender. As a result of the crash the young girl by the name of Laura Lamb, became one of the world’s youngest quadriplegics. Her mother, family and friends began the fight against drunk driving.