Have you met with your elected official and shared how MS affects you? Are you interested in growing this relationship to keep people with MS are front of mind as he or she considers legislation? Lead the way in your community by becoming a volunteer District Activist Leader.

As a District Activist Leader, you will build and foster critical relationships with the elected officials in your legislative district. You will serve as a liaison between these officials and the Society, helping to develop a reliable grassroots movement across the state and the country.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take a leadership role in engaging with elected officials via multiple avenues to help foster a relationship between MS activists and elected officials.
• Collaborate with your State’s Government Relations Committee
• Attend MS State Action Days and/or Public Policy Conference when possible
• Receive elected official’s email/mail communications
• Monitor and track the elected official’s district activities and public events
• Attend town hall meetings and other public forums to engage on issues that impact people affected by MS
• Help build the MS movement’s profile of elected officials by providing key biographical data and information to Society government relations staff
• Conduct in-district legislative visits when needed
• Complete on-going training
• Raise awareness of MS policy issues by utilizying multiple media strategies

Qualifications:

• Responsible and reliable
• Able to communicate respectfully and use good judgment
• Able to represent MS movement position on local, state and federal issues
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Good note-taking and ablity to follow-up
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel, internet)
• Interest in growing Social Media skills to connect with elected officials
• Able to travel to and from district meetings/events

Time Commitment:

This is an ongoing position requiring a time commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per month (some months more and some months less depending on legislative cycles) for a minimum of two years. Regular calls and meetings with Society government relations staff will be required to discuss progress and strategize next steps. (in-person or by phone).

Education and Support:

Training and support will be provided by Society staff as well as other volunteer leaders

To volunteer, complete a volunteer registration form.  A regional Advocacy staff member will contact you with next steps.

Don't want to cycle, but still want to make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS? Volunteers are needed to help with planning, rest stops, start/finish line, medical, cheering section, route support and more. This is a great opportunity for families, groups and individuals. Help make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS while having fun and making new connections!

Bike MS: Ride to the Rocket - June 4-5 - Athens, Ala.
Bike MS: Tour de Beach - September 17-18 - Orange Beach, Ala.
Bike MS: Bike to the Battlefield - Oct. 8-9 - Ridgeland, Miss. 

To learn more about how you can be a Bike MS volunteer, please contact Jennifer Ely.

Volunteers make Walk MS possible!

Each year, thousands of people across the country join the Walk MS volunteer team. From planning event details and calling past participants to providing safety and support for walkers at the event, volunteers make Walk MS happen, and are the foundation of why Walk MS is one of the largest fundraising events in the country.

Who can volunteer?

Families, corporate groups, and individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged and welcome to volunteer. We are always looking for youth clubs, corporate, and service-oriented community groups to lend a hand before, during, and after our events.

When you decide to volunteer, you become part of the MS movement – a collective of passionate individuals, moving together to create a world free of MS. Together we provide support, have fun, and make a difference in the lives of people living with MS.

Volunteer opportunities include registration, set up and tear down, cheering at finish line, food services and more fun activities.

Some volunteer positions require specialized skills, a criminal and/or DMV background check and some may involve driving or heavy lifting.

To sign up or for more information contact Hayat Nawd, Specialist Volunteer Engagement at hayat.nawd@nmss.org