MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING A MONTHLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, & SOUTH DAKOTA REGION
FEBRUARY 2024 • ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 2
NEW MADD STAFF: RAFITO THOMAS SOUTHERN MINNESOTA VICTIM SERVICES SPECIALIST
You and our many other volunteers are the lifeblood of MADD—full of passion and compassion for our mission. We value your commitment and connection to those we couldn’t save, to those we have, and to those we can. The Advisory Board provides the framework and support for MADD in our region to grow and serve more victims and prevent these 100% preventable crashes. The Advisory Board is designed not only to provide strategic leadership and guidance to local MADD programs and services, but also serves to build capacity through increased volunteer activity and revenue generation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for questions you may have! JOIN OUR REGIONAL BOARD!
Hi everyone, my name is Rafito Thomas and I am very excited to join MADD as a Victim Service Specialist for the southern/metro region of Minnesota. I was born in the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts and Nevis and raised in the Dutch Caribbean Island of Philisburg, St. Maarten. I attended Saint Cloud State University and worked on my Bachelor's Degree in Global Studies with a minor in Political Science. I have served in AmeriCorps for 2 years and have also served as a Tutor / Mentor at a local Middle school in north Minneapolis, MN. I have worked for over 15+ years at non- profits serving the community, families, youth, seniors and single adults in a mixture of Case Management, Youth Support Staff, Client Advocacy and more. While growing up with my family I enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, learning new things, watching movies and appreciating and spending time outdoor in nature. Many or all of these things I still currently do when I get free time. I have 2 kids (Sofie and Johan) whom are currently living in the United Kingdom, my significant other and 2 dogs (Bingo and Ginger) we live in the Minneapolis area.
Click here to apply.
I look forward to working with the community and being able to advocate for those in need.
MADD REGIONAL RECREATIONAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN
STAY CONNECTED!
This winter season, MADD has launched it’s very first Recreational Safety Campaign to highlight the importance of driving sober while operating recreational vehicles, in addition to roadway vehicles. Staff from our team were able to attend the Okoboji Winter Games in Iowa and table with the Iowa DNR team to increase awareness of “Sober is Safer” while enjoying winter activities such as snowmobiling, ATVs, UTVs and more. RECREATIONAL SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER: Don’t Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on the driver’s vision, balance, coordination, and reaction time. Don’t ride with people who drink and ride! Stay on the Trail, unless otherwise designated: Know the laws and regulations governing snowmobiling where you ride and where you travel. Dress for Safety and Survival: Always wear a quality DOT helmet and facemask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. Snowmobile suits, bibs, jackets, gloves and mittens should cut the wind, repel water and keep you ventilated. Watch the Weather and Check Trail and Ice Conditions Before Riding: Don’t ride in adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip and check the trails you’ll be riding prior to departure. Never Ride Alone: Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. This way if one machine is disabled, you have another to get help. Stay to the Right: Almost every trail is a two-way trail. So, stay to the far right of the trail, especially on hills and corners. Obey all trail signs and cross roadways with extreme caution. Take a Snowmobile Safety Training Course: Classes on basic snowmobile operation, laws and regulations, and safety can help save lives and reduce injuries.
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ADVOCACY NETWORK Whether you have been personally impacted by impaired driving, or you simply believe in the importance of preventing drunk and drugged driving, at MADD, your voice matters. Join our community of advocates in our mission to end this 100% preventable crime. When you join the MADD advocacy network, you will begin receiving updates on MADD’s policy efforts, progress and ways you can help.
Click here to apply
VICTIM SERVICES CONTACTS Northern Minnesota Courtni Peterson 651.523.0802 ext.2757 Courtni.Peterson@madd.org Southern Minnesota Rafito Thomas 651.523.0802 ext. 2760 Rafito.Thomas@madd.org Victim Services Manager (Located in South Dakota) 605.309.3942 ext. 2752 Rachel.Martens@madd.org
Remember, recreational vehicles are vehicles. Don’t drive impaired.
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