Advocacy
District Activist Leader
Impact:
By serving as a District Activist Leader, you will drive change by deepening relationships between elected officials and the MS movement. Your story will create a personal imprint in the mind of the elected official about the impact MS has had on your life and within your community. The relationships you build and the stories you share will help to ensure that when an elected official hear the words multiple sclerosis, they feel compelled to take action.
Position Description:
Build and foster critical relationships with your elected officials (in your legislative districts) that will help the MS movement influence policy issues at the federal, state and local level.
Serve as the liaison between Society government relations staff and your local MS community. This volunteer postion will provide opportunites to help grow our activist network, speak at community events about our policy priorities and help to identify issues to be addressed via advocacy.
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/Chapter’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
Education and Support:
Training and support will be provided by Society staff as well as other volunteer leaders.
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).
Download an application here!
Learn More