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MADD and Nationwide Launch the 2025 Prom Promise Campaign

In a collaborative effort to safeguard teenagers during prom season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) has launched the 2025 Prom Promise campaign, proudly sponsored by Nationwide. This significant initiative aims to combat the rising concern of underage drinking and substance use, reinforcing the importance of open communication between parents and their children during this pivotal time.

Empowering Parents with Resources

Targeted specifically at encouraging parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their teens, the campaign offers essential tools, including MADD's Power of Parents handbook. This comprehensive guide, grounded in evidence-based strategies, equips families with the knowledge needed to discuss the risks associated with underage drinking and drug use effectively.

At the center of the Prom Promise campaign is the Prom Promise Contract—a commitment between parents and teens to ensure a safe, substance-free prom night. By signing this contract, families can establish clear expectations and boundaries while fostering an atmosphere of trust and accountability. The initiative encourages teens to acknowledge the serious implications of their choices, ultimately leading to safer decision-making.

A Shared Goal of Safety

Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD, emphasizes the significance of prom as a milestone in a teenager's life, stating, "Prom is a big milestone in a teen's life, and we want to ensure it's both safe and memorable." She highlights that the Prom Promise campaign is not merely a preventive measure but a vital opportunity for parents to engage in lifesaving discussions with their kids about making responsible choices on prom night.

Nationwide has expressed its unwavering support for MADD’s mission, with MADD National Board Member Natalie Furniss noting, "As a company dedicated to protecting individuals and families, ensuring the safety of drivers on our roads is a top priority." This partnership underscores the alignment of both organizations' values and their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Dangers of Underage Drinking

Statistics reveal the urgent need for initiatives like Prom Promise, given that underage drinking accounts for approximately 4,300 deaths annually in the United States. Research shows that adolescents who begin drinking at a young age are significantly more likely to engage in alcohol-related accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further reports that nearly a third of young drivers involved in fatal crashes have been drinking. Hence, preventive measures are of utmost importance during high-risk occasions like prom.

Ongoing Commitment to Prevention

The Prom Promise campaign is part of MADD’s broader suite of programs dedicated to preventing underage substance abuse and impaired driving. Through the Power of Parents program, MADD empowers parents of middle and high school students to maintain ongoing dialogues with their kids regarding the dangers of substance use. Developed with insights from Dr. Robert Turrisi at Penn State's Prevention Research Center, the corresponding Power of Parents Handbook has proved effective: research indicates that teens whose parents utilize the handbook's strategies are less likely to accept rides from intoxicated drivers and are more inclined to reject alcohol themselves.

Joining the Movement

Parents wishing to participate in the Prom Promise campaign can visit MADD’s website to learn more about the Power of Parents Program and download the Prom Promise Contract. Together, MADD and Nationwide are committed to fostering safe and healthy environments for teens, encouraging proactive conversations that pave the way towards safer communities and more positive decision-making.

By engaging in these critical discussions, parents can make a real difference this prom season, helping to ensure that their teens’ celebrations are not only memorable but also safe and responsible. As MADD continues its mission to end impaired driving, partnerships like the one with Nationwide illustrate the importance of collective community efforts and the potential for lasting change in attitudes toward underage drinking.

For more information and resources, parents can turn to madd.org/power-of-parents. By fostering a culture of respect and safety, communities can work together to create a brighter future for the next generation.