Act Now: Become an MS Act-ivist
Act Now: Become an MS Act-ivist is a movement within the Chapter to invite members to support the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) and become engaged as donors of time, energy, and commitment. This program will reflect and demonstrate the growing emphasis on activism in the Strategic Plan of the NMSS. As a core strategy toward achieving our mission, Act Now: Become and MS Act-ivist will encourage involvement that will foster positive and sustained change on individual and community levels through a variety of volunteer opportunities. These opportunities are promoted in the areas of Education, Advocacy, Research, and Community Development.
Duties:
Become involved in the community in one of the following areas:
1. Education: Act-ivist for Education
Members with an interest in volunteering as Act-ivists for Education participate in training sessions with Chapter staff and volunteers that enable them to present basic information about MS and its impact on family systems to community agencies, healthcare organizations, funders, and civic groups. Once trained in presentation content and format, the volunteers are contacted as needed to present to various community audiences.
2. Advocacy: Act-ivist for Change
Members who are interested in becoming Act-ivists for Change sign up for training sessions provided by staff liaisons to the Chapter’s Government Relations Committee, committee members, and the NY Chapters’ Coalition Action Network. Training is focused on teaching basic strategies for sharing concerns about policies that effect individuals and families facing MS, as well as sharing personal impact stories, with local, state and federal legislators through phone calls, letters, emails and face-to-face visits.
3. Research: Act-ivist for Research
Act-ivists for Research learn the importance of being knowledgeable and articulate about MS research. They engage in workshops designed to highlight the latest advances in MS treatments and clinical trials towards finding a cure. These volunteers present information to community agencies, healthcare organizations, civic groups and donors.
4. Community Development: Act-ivist for Community Partnerships
Volunteers interested in becoming Act-ivists for Community Partnerships are actively engaged with representing the Upstate New Chapter as facilitators of the mission in a variety of public forums such as community health fairs and mission tables. These volunteers may also be involved in fundraising activities and events that focus on corporate giving and major gifts.
Qualifications: Volunteers should be dedicated to our mission, willing to devote time to training sessions and follow up with community oriented volunteer opportunities.
Contact Information:
Courtney Totter - Chapter-wide