Mothers Against Drunk Driving is launching this new “Walk Like MADD” blog today to share what’s going on with MADD’s annual 5K fundraising walks. We want to encourage a dialogue with people who have been touched by drunk driving and underage drinking, and are motivated to do something about it.

I mention “motivation,” because it’s a complex human emotion that organizations like MADD rely on every day in their volunteer and fundraising efforts.

But honestly, motivation by itself is not enough to make a difference. Having a personal passion to affect change is more often the force behind actions that separates those who merely have strong opinions, from people who do something that makes a real difference.

Walk Like MADD is personally among my favorite and most important fundraising and awareness-building events of the year. MADD will host 30 walks across the US in 2008, which is likely to involve thousands of people who are motivated to act.

Last year, our walk (previously called Strides for Change) raised $1.62 million, and we aim to increase this exponentially every year in order to better serve victims/survivors and to further our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

By the way, every dollar raised in our local Walk Like MADD cities goes directly back into the community to fund victim’s services, support for enforcement, advocacy for ignition interlocks and other key legislative initiatives and research-based efforts to prevent underage drinking.

If you’re motivated — and passionate — enough to help eliminate drunk driving, visit our Walk Like MADD website to find a local walk near you. Stop talking about it and get involved. Even if drunk driving has never touched you personally, you never know when it might. I know the experience firsthand, and it’s nothing short of devastating.

We welcome your thoughts and comments about Walk Like MADD. Please note that multiple MADD staffers will be contributing to this blog, and all comments will be moderated.

– Glynn Birch, MADD National President