Newsletter MADD Teen Influencer December 2023: Impaired Driving Prevention Month
#RedForMADDCA
Helping Survivors Survive Learn about MADD’s services for families affected by drunk and drugged driving.
Healthy Teen Talks, Episode 7
MADD California partners with various monuments to light red in honor and memory of drunk and drugged driving victims.
Riley interviews Anit and Dhanush from My Alcohol Story.
1 By Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer Since its founding in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has worked tirelessly to stop drunk driving, help prevent underage drinking, and pursue stricter impaired driving policies, whether or not the impairment is caused by alcohol or drugs. But did you know that MADD also supports those affected by drunk driving? MADD’s Victim Assistance program not only provides emotional support to those after a crash, but also offers guidance through the criminal and civil justice systems for free, at no charge to the victim. After a crash occurs and Helping Survivors Survive
the MADD office is notified, MADD advocates offer immediate support to the victims and survivors. It is important to note that MADD uses the term “crash” instead of “accident”, as it isn’t an accident when an impaired driver intentionally makes the decision to get behind the wheel. While some families may request guidance and support immediately from the MADD Victim Assistance program, many are traumatized and need time to
MADD Teen Influencer
December 2023
process what has occurred since no one anticipates they will become a victim of impaired driving. Besides the mental and physical recovery victims must go through after a crash, whether they are survivors or the surviving family members of a victim, they must also face the impending legal process. Court procedures are difficult for victims due to the often drawn-out legal system that can trigger deep emotional pain from having to relive their experiences at every court date. MADD advocates provide support during court appearances and remind them of their rights, acting as liaisons every step of the way. Their advocates will even support them with their Victim Impact Statements. Unfortunately, the outcome of DUI cases does not always favor the victim. They oftentimes do not receive the justice they deserve, especially in the case of a death due to the crash. However, MADD advocates continue to support those victims unconditionally, constantly fighting for the rights of victims of impaired driving. MADD has made innovative strides over the years, including having a role in changing the legal limit of drinking to 21 years of age, coining the term,
Designated Driver”, and lowering the BAC level to 0.8. Despite the challenges that come with fighting for the rights of victims, the MADD Victim Assistance Program continues to thrive, including monthly virtual support groups and peer support to connect with others who have shared experiences. No matter the obstacles, MADD continues to serve the needs of those affected by impaired driving, offering guidance and understanding every step of the way.
Nominate an Influencer of the Month! Do you know an influential teen who is a great role model? We would love to spotlight them! Click on the icon to the left or use the link below to share why they should be MADD's Influencer of the Month!
TINYURL.COM/MADDIOTM
MADD Teen Influencer
December 2023
Press Conference & Candlelight Vigil Lighting in Honor of DUI Victims 2
Illuminating MADD California: LA City Hall
On Wednesday, December 6th, MADD Southern California along with local officials, law enforcement; and drunk and drugged driving victims hosted a press conference followed by a candlelight vigil to kick off Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The holiday season is unfortunately a time of year when impaired driving crashes go up. MADD Teen Influencer Ben joined the press conference to share a few words of advice for families. To honor and remember, in solidarity, all the victims whose lives have been forever changed by this 100% preventable crime. Los Angeles City Hall, LAX Pylons, the 6th Street Bridge, and several other venues illuminated in MADD’s red colors. In addition, we invited families and community partners to join us by illuminating a special place at home or place of business in red - check out the campaign on socials with the #RedForMADDCA hashtag. This holiday season, and everyday, we encourage you to use your voice to help us stop drunk and drugged driving. Let friends and family know the consequences, and help them always make the right choice. Take a stand to not drink underage and remember to never ride with an impaired driver. To see the full press conference, click here.
MADD Teen Influencer
December 2023
Healthy Teen Talks, Episode 7 My Alcohol Story with Riley, Anit & Dhanush 3
MADD Teen Influencer Riley interviews Anit and Dhanush from My Alcohol Story - a platform that provides teenagers and young adults who have been affected by alcohol a space to anonymously share their stories and read others. For more information, visit myaloholstory.com. Healthy Teen Talks is a podcast by teens for teens to discuss all things prevention with the Teen Influencer Group of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), California.
Ask A Teen Influencer Looking for some advice? Submit questions anonymously with the link below or by clicking on the icon to the left. MADD Teen Influencers may respond to your question on the next episode of Healthy Teen Talks! TINYURL.COM/MADDTEENADVICE
MADD Teen Influencer
December 2023
MADD Teen Influencer of the Month: Sofia Combel
Congratulations to our Teen Influencer of the Month, Sofia! She has been involved with MADD for three years and is a member of the social media committee. As a Teen Influencer, she has hosted and presented multiple workshops, created social media content, and earned a Power of You(th) award! The picture to the left is Sofia presenting at the 2022 MADD Teen Influencer Summit, hosted at Long Beach City College. “She’s a very awesome Teen Influencer! Sofia participates in meetings and shows up to events. She is a great public speaker and is kind with everyone.” -Brooklyn
From the MADD Teen Influencer Group
MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. The purpose of the Teen Influencer Group is to provide leadership development for teens by training them to be peer-to-peer educators. These teens provide MADD with the youth perspective and use their voice to educate the public. By reducing and then eliminating underage drinking, these teens will help MADD end drunk driving.
@MADDCalifornia
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