Declining Donations Prompt MADD Staff Cuts

Declining donations in a struggling economic environment has prompted Mothers Against Drunk Driving to cut staff positions in its national office as well as state offices in 11 states. With donations down almost 20 percent from last year, MADD National Chief Operating Officer Debbie Weir said the cutbacks were necessary.

"It's a very hard, very painful process," Weir said.

MADD had already eliminated 55 staff positions nationwide and this week more employees will receive pink slips in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington.

Volunteers May Fill Postions

"Raising funds is very difficult during this challenging economy," Weir told reporters. "Donors really have to look at their disposable income and as a result, giving is less."

Cuts in some states will be minor. The organization hopes to fill some of the positions with volunteers.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an organization that lobbies for tougher drunk driving laws and prevention of underage drinking, began the year with 397 employees nationwide.

More About Drunk Driving:

• Why You Should Never Drink and Drive
  
• The Costs of Drunken Driving
  
• Drunk Driving - The Dangers

^{Photo: MADD.ORG}