Friends InDeed

VOLUNTEERS: THE HEART AND SOUL OF MADD

MADD volunteers are dads and daughter, sons and uncles, friends and neighbors—and mothers. They are all ages and from all walks of life. And, they are the heart and soul of MADD. It is their compassion and determination that drives the organization and it is their tireless efforts that have accomplished so much. Join these ordinary citizens who have become extraordinary activist in saving lives.

YOU Are Exactly What We Need!

As a Friend InDeed in East Texas, you will become one of more than three million individuals already working together nationwide to end drunk driving and the sorrows it causes. Which area of the organization you choose and what time commitment you can offer are decisions that are totally up to you. Just by being here you’ll make an enormous difference in so many lives, and enrich your own in the process.

Victim Services* 

One of our most profound responsibilities is assisting individual survivors and victims of drunk driving. Volunteers here are able to offer support, healing and hope through a variety of services and programs.

Victim Impact Panel Coordinator – Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) allow victims/survivors an opportunity to heal by sharing their personal stories of bereavement, injuries and loss with an audience of receptive participants. Volunteer Victim Impact Panel coordinators play an important part in helping to reduce future victimizations by helping to ensure that VIPs educate participants about the hazards of impaired driving and motivate participants to make responsible decisions about drinking and driving in the future.

Victim Advocate – (Note: A 40-hour training is required.)
Volunteer victim advocates are responsible for providing victim services to victims/ survivors of impaired driving who may be in need of crisis intervention, emotional support, practical guidance, community referrals, court accompaniment and support groups. Services are delivered in person, by telephone and in writing.

Youth Programs* 

Reaching young people early is essential to MADD’s success in preventing the negative consequences of underage drinking. Friends InDeed offers comprehensive educational programs and targeted mentoring for elementary, middle, high school and college students.

Protecting You/Protecting Me (PY/PM) – PY/PM is a classroom-based alcohol and safety prevention curriculum for grades 1 through 5. After attending training for a deeper understanding of the course basics, volunteers will work with MADD staff to assess community needs for the program, help identify area schools that may be interested in the curriculum and work with MADD National to coordinate training, serve as liaison between MADD staff and school personnel, and act as an assistant in classrooms where PY/PM is being taught. As appropriate, volunteers will also help identify and approach businesses to gain financial support for PY/PM training for teachers.

Youth In Action Coordinator – Youth In Action (YIA) is a community-based, service oriented leadership program that trains high school students how to implement projects designed to limit youth access to alcohol. YIA Coordinators work within their communities to identify the need and support for alcohol prevention programs, to create Youth In Action teams within schools and community groups, to plan YIA meetings and activities, and to coordinate these activities with applicable law enforcement/community resources.

UMADD Student Leader – UMADD is a university campus-based student chapter of MADD comprised of student leaders concerned about underage and high-risk drinking and impaired driving, and dedicated to finding solutions. UMADD addresses the problems by involving both the campus and the community. Student leaders receive information about the extent of the national problem and work to design local solutions.

*Criminal Background Check Requirement -To work as a volunteer in Victim Services or Youth Programs, applicants must authorize and pass a Criminal Background Check.

Adult Education Programs 

Educating the adults in our communities is a key focus of Friends InDeed. We do that by interacting with social and civic organizations, law enforcement, the media and the judicial system to change attitudes about drinking and driving.

Court Monitor – Court Monitors attend DWI misdemeanor and felony court cases (generally where there is no victim involved) and collect information that can be used to recommend constructive improvements to our judicial system.

Public Policy 

Our efforts are most effective when lawmakers understand and support MADD’s objectives. Friends InDeed volunteers can help communicate our goals and challenges to community leaders and legislators at the city and state levels.

Administrative Support

With all we have going on any given day, it’s crucial to find people we can count on for organization, focus and consistency. Volunteers who can provide that kind of administrative assistance are invaluable, and much appreciated.

Fundraising/Events 

Special events, fundraising initiatives and targeted campaigns help generate vital financial support for MADD. Activities include making presentations, coordinating large group events, soliciting donations and working with the media.

Tie One On for Safety – Tie One On For Safety is a holiday fundraising event in which MADD offers a red ribbon to participants who agree to tie it to their vehicle as a pledge not to drink and drive – especially during the holiday season. Volunteers are needed to work with staff to develop locations and event programs, assist with coordination of event logistics, help prepare information and materials for the press, solicit in-kind donations for decorations, food, and other event items and attend the events to assist where needed.

Events – Public Awareness Events are held throughout the year to generate interest in and support of MADD. Volunteers are needed to help with various organizational duties, including location selection and coordination, preparation and mailing of invitations, and preparation and mailing of thank you notes after the events. Working with the media, volunteers will prepare press alerts, press releases and press packets, as appropriate, and call media the day before the event to urge attendance and press coverage. Further volunteer efforts include preparing hand outs and participant materials for the event, helping to solicit in-kind donations such as food, printed materials and prizes and attending events to serve as coordinator, greeter, host, and/or usher.

Year End Appeal – At the end of every year, MADD sends out a letter to individuals, businesses, civic organizations and others soliciting funds and support for our continued activities. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and mail out this very important annual appeal.

WALK like MADD – WALK like MADD (previously Strides for Change) is an annual 5K walk event that raises awareness and funds for MADD’s continuing work. Volunteers will visit area companies to solicit sponsorships and/or in-kind donations (water, fruit, snacks, for example), and make presentations to area companies and civic organizations to garner support for the event and to encourage the creation of teams. Volunteers and team leaders are also needed to assist with writing and distributing media alerts and press releases, encourage walk teams and keep them up to date on the progress of fundraising goals, attend the walk event, and serve as greeters, booth coordinators, walkers or even as WALK like MADD leaders.
www.walklikemadd.org


For more information on any Friends InDeed volunteer opportunity click here.
If you require any additional information, please contact MADD East Texas at east.tx@madd.org.