Youth Against Multiple Sclerosis (YAMS) is a newly formed program to the Oklahoma Chapter of the National MS Society. In its third year, YAMS has involved youth from across the state by empowering, engaging and educating young people about Multiple Sclerosis through awareness activities, volunteer opportunities and community events.
YAMS members consist of teens affected by MS, through a parent, relative, friend or they themselves living with the disease, as well as other youth looking to make a positive impact for the cause. Groups are formed through high schools and youth groups; members host awareness programs, form walk teams for WalkMS events, and sponsor club events such as YAMS Battle of the Bands. With the motto Sweet In Motion –a play on words from the Aerosmith song and the National MS slogan Join the Movement- YAMS breathes young life into what was once an adult based society.
Breaking into social networking with a Facebook Group, MySpace Page, Twitter Page, and the Oklahoma Chapter website members are kept up to date with personalized event invitations, breaking news, compelling local stories, and photos from recent events. With a new look for the program in 2009, the Oklahoma Chapter has one of the largest and most promising YAMS programs in the nation.
How We Do It
SCHOOL AWARENESS PROGRAMS
The YAMS team provides interactive awareness programs to schools across the state.
COFFEE TALKS
Held quarterly for young adults to gather, socialize and plan upcoming YAMS events.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Walk MS events, form Walk teams, participate in Day of Service activities, and the second annual Music Fest, “YAMS Battle of the Bands.”
WALK MS
Join or form a walk team with friends and classmates for WALK MS hosted in multiple towns for both the Spring and Fall!
What We Got
SCHOOL/EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
We can help provide information to schools and employers about MS and the limitations and special needs.
SCHOLARSHIPS
YAMS can aid individuals with MS and family members in searching for scholarships and college programs that best fits their specific circumstances and future goals.
BUDDY PROGRAM
Matches YAMS members living with or has a family member with MS to a MSFriend who understands and relates to your situation.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Connect and find out YAMS information and events via Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and MS World.
Youth Against MS is sponsored by AmeriCorps
A program of the Corporation for National and Community Service
