MADD was incorporated on September 5, 1980, the mission or purposes of MADD as stated in its Articles of Incorporation were “To aid the victims of crimes performed by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to aid the families of such victims and to increase public awareness of the problem of drinking and drugged driving."

In 1984, MADD changed its name from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This carefully considered change was made because MADD is opposed to the criminal act of drunk driving, not individuals. MADD also updated its mission statement to “Mothers Against Drunk Driving provides grassroots leadership to create major social change in the attitude and behavior of Americans toward drunk driving."

In 1985, MADD’s mission statement was again updated. The mission read, “Mothers Against Drunk Driving mobilizes victims and their allies to establish the public conviction that impaired driving is unacceptable and criminal, in order to promote corresponding public policies, programs and personal responsibility."

In 1992, MADD adopted a more simplified mission statement, which was “The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving and support the victims of this violent crime.

By 1999, MADD had greatly expanded its work on preventing underage drinking and emerging research underscored our efforts to prevent youth alcohol use. MADD’s efforts in this area were also encouraged and supported by the government, corporations, educators, the media and public. The mission statement was officially changed to make preventing underage drinking a free-standing prong of the mission. The updated mission, which continues to guide the organization today, reads, “The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.”  To date, MADD’s work has saved 300,000 lives…and counting.

History of MADD

From its humble beginnings 32 years ago, MADD has evolved into one of the most widely supported and well-liked non-profit organizations in America. Learn about how MADD first started, the history of our fight against drunk driving and some of our victories along the way.

	Beckie Brown was a tireless advocate for MADD. She became involved when her son, Marcus Daniel Brown, died at age 18 on December 9, 1979, from injuries suffered in a traffic crash involving a 19-year old drunk driver. Channeling her grief into action, Beckie established the first MADD chapter in Northern Florida.	Read more...(WEB)
	When MADD celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2005, the organization looked back at how it all began. Read the story of how an organization went from a handful of mothers with a mission to stop drunk driving to one of history’s greatest grassroots success stories—and helped save thousands of lives along the way.	Read more...(PDF)
	Since its inception in 1980, MADD has worked to make a difference. Read about some of the organization’s milestones.	Read more...(PDF)
	Read about MADD’s presidents—the leaders who have served as the voice and face of MADD as the organization’s national spokesperson and on behalf of the victims of drunk driving.	Read more...(PDF)
	Candy Lightner founded MADD in 1980 after her daughter, Cari, was killed by a repeat drunk driving offender. Cindy Lamb—whose daughter, Laura, became the nation’s youngest quadriplegic at the hands of a drunk driver—soon joined Candy in her crusade to save lives.	Read more...(PDF)
	MADD is often asked its secrets to success. Read the article that tells how MADD became one of the nation’s most successful charities.	Read more...(PDF)