March 2025 Newsletter UPPER MIDWEST
Benefits of Support Group after a Crash
After a drunk driving crash, healing can feel isolating, but support groups offer a powerful way to cope. Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma helps reduce feelings of isolation and provides emotional support. These groups create a safe space for individuals to share their stories, offering comfort and hope as you heal. Members also benefit from practical advice, resources, and coping strategies, making the difficult journey a little easier. Support groups empower victims by fostering a sense of community and helping them regain control over their healing process. You don’t have to face it alone—support is available. Ask your Victim Services Specialist for more information.
Cheers to Megan: 6 Years of Dedication at MADD I began with MADD in April of 2019 as a victim services specialist for Minnesota. Working with MADD as an advocate, programs manager, and team member to so many amazing individuals I have had the opportunity to learn from others around me in their roles, witness victims and survivors demonstrate immense courage and strength through the hardest of times, and meet amazing community partners along the way, all of whom are fighting for the same vision – ending impaired driving for good. As I transition into a new role away from the organization, I will continue the fight to end impaired driving, raise awareness about the dangers of this 100% preventable tragedy, and hold near to my heart the individuals I have worked with in my time here. I am forever grateful for each, and every person who I was able to connect with during my 6 years with MADD. - Megan Hautman (Helberg) across the organization has been a tremendous honor and privilege.
Interested in Support Groups?
Our Victim Services Team hosts a Support Group every third Tuesday of the month from 6-7 PM CST Please email Rachel Martens at rachel.martens@madd.org to be added to the participant list.
March 2025 Newsletter UPPER MIDWEST
Join the Movement - Impaired driving ends when we work together. MADD is looking for passionate members of our community to help in the fight against impaired driving. Whether you want to educate communities, support victims and survivors, share your story, or assist with events, there’s a role for you! Already a volunteer? Invite a friend to join you! Volunteering is even more impactful (and fun) when shared. Our open programs are:
Volunteer with MADD!
• Victim Impact Panels (In-person Only) • Underage Drinking Prevention (In- person or Virtual) • Legislative Action Team (Virtual) • Regional Advisory Board (Virtual)
Check out our Volunteer Program [FAQ LINK] to learn more.
Sign up or refer a friend today by scanning this QR code, visiting our website www.madd.org/volunteer , or by contacting our Volunteer Resources Specialist at ree.ford@madd.org or 651.523.0802 Ext.2754.
Did you know 1 in 3 drivers arrested for impaired driving are repeat offenders? Break the cycle today by educating offenders, sharing the powerful stories of victim survivors, and raising the funds needed to continue providing free services to those in need. VICTIM IMPACT PANEL (VIP) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA! We urgently need volunteers for: VIP Coordinators/Facilitators VIP Event Assistants VIP Victim & Survivor Speakers Panels are held quarterly in the evenings across Brainerd, Center Lakes, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Grand Rapids, and St. Cloud. Interested, or know someone who might be? Apply today at https://madd.org/volunteer/ or contact our Volunteer Resources Specialist at ree.ford@madd.org or 651.523.0802 Ext.2754.
March 2025 Newsletter UPPER MIDWEST
LEARN YOUR LIMITS On February 7th, we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Chisago County Sheriff's Office at Stacy Sports Grill to engage with the local community on how alcohol impacts
decision-making and the serious consequences of driving impaired.
The event created a great platform for patrons to engage with law enforcement and MADD. For those interested, we also offered the chance to take a Preliminary Breath Tests (PBT) and field sobriety tests, providing a hands-on experience that emphasized the reality of impaired driving.
Big thank you to the Chisago County Sheriff's Office for their partnership in raising awareness and keeping our communities safe. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our next "Learn Your Limits" event on March 21st at 5 PM, taking place at Scooters Pub & Grill in Chisago City, MN. We hope to see you there!
STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Quick Answers
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Our opportunities. . .
We require . . .
Welcome everyone Don’t require experience Are flexible Are fun!
Application Background Check Orientation Role Training
Other Helpful Information MADD communicates with volunteers virtually. Some roles are on-site, while others are virtual. Laptops can be rented on a limited basis.
PROGRAM OPENINGS
The Regional Advisory Board supports MADD leadership with strategic guidance, partnership building, and fundraising in order to drive regional initiatives. The Victim Impact Panel Program prevents impaired driving by educating offenders, sharing victim stories, and raising the funds needed for free victim services.
The Legislative Action Team helps pass laws that keep our roads safe by educating lawmakers and influencing legislation that impacts our communities. The Underage Drinking Prevention Program prevents impaired driving by empowering youth and equipping parents with research-based tools to ensure their family’s safety.
Visit www.madd.org/volunteer or use the QR code to access our application! Submitting an application does not commit you to volunteering and only begins the process. Our team will help you make sure our program is the right fit for you and your interests.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Quick Answers
Why is a volunteer background check required? We want you to feel confident and secure in your role as a volunteer. The background check process helps ensure a safe environment for everyone— whether you're interacting with our team, our participants, or the broader community. It’s about making sure you’re joining a trustworthy group that prioritizes safety and integrity. Will I receive training? What support is available to volunteers? We want all volunteers to feel confident and supported throughout their time with MADD. No prior experience is required—our onboarding process is designed to ensure your role is a great fit for you and that you gain a strong understanding of who we are and why our mission matters. After orientation, you’ll be connected with your staff lead, an expert in your program area who will provide the training and guidance you need to succeed in your role. Beyond your role-specific support, you’ll also have an extra layer of assistance from our Volunteer Resources Specialist, who is dedicated to supporting both new and active volunteers. We’re here to ensure you have everything you need to make an impact. How many hours do I need to commit as a volunteer? It depends! MADD offers flexible volunteer opportunities and works with your schedule whenever possible. Some roles are monthly while others could be quarterly. However, to ensure that the training we provide is valuable for both you and our staff, each role has a minimum hour commitment required to get started. The specific requirement varies by role. To learn more, please reach out to our Volunteer Resources Specialist for a position description of the role you're interested in.
Have Questions? Contact Us! Our Volunteer Resources Specialist is here to support you. You can reach her at ree.ford@madd.org or 651.523.0802 ext. 2754
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