Connect Locally FAQ

What is a Connect Locally program?
A Connect Locally program is an educational program offered to members of your community on a topic related to multiple sclerosis. The program is hosted by local support groups and is presented via DVD presentation or by a speaker arranged through the Upper Midwest Chapter.

Do I need to be an expert on the subject?
No, these programs are intended to be educational. The DVDs and speakers offer information and we encourage discussion by the group afterward so that members can learn from one another.  

Will the speaker fees come out of my group stipend? What about other expenses?
No, the Society has budgeted for these types of expenses including speaker fees, snacks, and travel cost. If your group hosts a Connect Locally program, we'll reimburse you for any incurred costs (usually food). The group stipend should be used for other group activities or programs.

There is more than one topic I’d be interested in hosting. Can my group host more than one?
The Upper Midwest Chapter has helped to organize several programs with speakers across the chapter area. If you’re comfortable showing a DVD and facilitating conversation, you may host a Connect Locally program within your group as often as you’d like.

What type of support does the National MS Society offer?
Depending on the program, the Upper Midwest Chapter will arrange the speaker or provide DVDs and educational materials, market the program, and either provide or reimburse the cost of snacks/food for the meeting.

What are the topics?
The National MS Society distributes four toolkits to leaders each year that contain DVDs and educational materials on various topics related to MS. This year, the Upper Midwest Chapter is including Connect Locally programs within the contents of these toolkits. We also have an extensive list of DVDs on topics related to living with MS. We encourage you to contact an area coordinator or chapter staff if you're interested in holding a DVD Connect Locally program.

What do I need to do?
If you’d like to host a Connect Locally program, simply call or email Upper Midwest Chapter staff (Jeff or Susan) at 800-582-5296 (option 2), and we can discuss the process with you and answer questions. We'll ask you to help promote the upcoming program to your group and community. Aside from the normal group leader duties, there is very limited commitment in hosting and there are many benefits to participating in such a program.