VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
If you are looking to donate your time, talents, professional skills, passion, or all of the above, volunteering can enhance our progress in the fight against multiple sclerosis. To find out what areas we can put your talents to work, please complete the General Volunteer Form or use the links below to help you find a volunteering opportunity that’s right for you.
Events |
Research Advocacy |
Programs & Services |
Office Support |
Professional |
Planning Committee & Leadership |
EVENT VOLUNTEERS
All Chapter Events, from the Walk MS to the Bike MS, owe a great deal of their success to the strength of the volunteers who make them possible. Volunteers are needed to run registration, work rest stops, serve lunch and cheer on participants as they cross the finish line. These volunteer opportunities take place on a Saturday and/or Sunday and you may volunteer at one or many! 2009 event dates will be available in January of 2009 under the Walk MS and Bike MS event pages!
RESEARCH ADVOCACY VOLUNTEERS
Research Advocacy Volunteers are local champions for the National MS Society’s Research Mission. These volunteers share information about advances in biomedical research and promote the Society’s research programs. Research Advocates help people in the MS Community and the general public understand the Society’s important role in improving the quality of life for people with MS and in developing new treatments and a cure. They present the latest information on clinical trials and research projects in laymen’s terms to the MS Community, donors and fundraisers, and the public at large.
Do you love to read about the latest research on finding the cause and treatment of MS? Would you enjoy speaking to groups and sharing the powerful message of hope that research holds? If you would like to combine these two interests, we have a fascinating volunteer role for you. At this time, volunteers are needed in upper western and northern regions of Michigan.
Volunteers must be able to read, understand, and present scientific information to a lay audience. Experience in the medical field is helpful, but not necessary. Research Advocates receive the latest research information directly from the National MS Society as soon as it is published. They also receive a training manual to help them organize and present research-oriented programs. Volunteers need to be able to travel within their area to make at least two presentations a year and attend two or three conference call training/planning sessions per year.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
Self-Help Group Leaders-
NMSS self help groups bring people together who share a common life experience (living with MS) for support and education. They share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others. Leaders facilitate this process in communities with expressed interest in a self help group. Volunteers interested in leading a self help group will go through an application process. Training is provided yearly and leaders are provided continuing education and support. For more information about self help group leadership and the application process, please call (1-800-344-4867) or email the Michigan Chapter info@mig.nmss.org.
Gateway Facilitators-
Our Gateway to Wellness programs for people with MS provide six sessions that focus on exercise, discussion and activities to promote wellness, self-management, and balance in lifestyle.
Wanted: Health Professionals (PT's, OT's, exercise physiologists) to join a team of facilitators in presenting a six-session wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis. This is a win-win opportunity: You will learn more about multiple sclerosis; people with the disease will benefit from your experience and talents. An extensive training program will prepare you to discuss exercise options for people with MS and to demonstrate and lead exercise segments. You will also be prepared to present information on nutrition, realistic goal-setting, and a variety of other topics. Once you have been certified as a facilitator, you will receive a stipend for the time you spend planning and facilitating the program.
Needed: People with Teaching Backgrounds
If you are a person with MS with a teaching background, we have an opportunity for you! Join a team of facilitators in presenting a six-session program called "Gateway to Wellness" for people with MS in your area. An extensive training program will prepare you to present current information on fatigue, nutrition, balancing your life, and a variety of other topics. You will also work with a health professional to help people with MS incorporate exercise into their life and learn to set realistic goals. Use your teaching skills to help other people with MS focus on wellness rather than illness! These are unique opportunities!
Friendly Listener- What is Friendly Listening?
The Friendly Listening Program is a telephone network for people with MS who want support from their peers. Trained volunteers with MS make weekly calls to those who request the service. The role of the volunteer is to listen, be supportive, and if needed, suggest community resources. Friendly Listening is NOT a crisis hotline or counseling service.
To Make Calls
The Chapter is currently looking for more volunteers to serve as Friendly Listeners. To become a Friendly Listener volunteer, you must have MS and be willing to come to the office in Southfield once a week. For more information or to request an application to volunteer, call 1-800-344-4867.
OFFICE SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
National Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteers across the country contribute resources to fight against MS - time, knowledge, skills and leadership. Graphic design, communications & public relations, sales & marketing, accounting, human resources, law, and event planning are just some of the areas of expertise that can enhance our the Chapter's fight against MS. For more information, please complete the General Volunteer Form.
PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS
National Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteers across the country contribute resources to fight against MS - time, knowledge, skills and leadership. Graphic design, communications & public relations, sales & marketing, accounting, human resources, law, and event planning are just some of the areas of expertise that can enhance our the Chapter's fight against MS. For more information, please complete the General Volunteer Form.
PLANNING COMMITTEES AND LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEERS
Programs and fundraising events are made possible because of the commitment of volunteers who work with Chapter staff to plan, recruit, fundraise and coordinate Chapter efforts in the fight against MS. If you are interested in joining the Board of Trustees, Walk MS, Bike MS Ride or Longest Day of Golf Committee, please complete the General Volunteer Form.
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
You can also volunteer by organizing your own fundraiser or by getting your company involved in the fight against MS.
To speak to a chapter representative about which volunteer opportunity is right for you, call Liz at 800-344-4867, select option 2, ext. 210 or submit a General Volunteer Form today!