The Governor's Highway Safety Office has recently awarded MADD Tennessee a grant to offer MADD's Court Monitoring program, designed to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Alcohol-impaired driving is one of the most frequently committed crimes in the country. Every year, it kills someone every 30 minutes.

Court Monitoring is designed to engage the court system and the community in a constructive dialogue that ultimately improves the criminal justice system. Establishing relationships among all facets of the criminal justice system is the cornerstone of a successful program. The court system determines individual guilt or innocence. It also sets parameters of an offender's punishment, restitution and rehabilitation.

MADD's Court Monitoring program was developed to ensure that there is a swift and appropriate sentencing of DUI/ DWI cases.

MADD knows that concerned citizens can transform society. By taking action in the community, lives will be saved. MADD Tennessee seeks volunteers to get involved with this new program. Volunteers are trained by a Project Coordinator. Some of the requirements include a good open mind and critical thinking skills. Individuals must be able to attend court on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, have good attention to detail. Ethical behavior and confidentiality are a must in this position. To get involved, contact Daniela Smotherman at (615) 360-8055 or e-mail daniela.smotherman@madd.org.