At the National MS Society, we relentlessly advocate for federal, state, and local government change essential to people with MS.
We must work together to break down barriers to care, improve access to quality health services, and make MS therapies more affordable. We must fight for disability rights, MS research funding, and long-term care resources.
We are activists. We make MS issues national priority issues. We share our personal stories. And we ask our public officials for change that benefits people living with MS and others with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Change happens through MS activism. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist.
ABOUT US
The National MS Society and individuals nationwide relentlessly advocate every day for community, state, and federal issues that impact the lives of people with MS. Our MS activists are the voices of change for the approximately 400,000 people living with MS nationwide.
The National Capital Chapter represents more than 6,500 people living with MS in the Northern VA, Southern MD, and Washington DC area. The Virginia and Maryland Citizen Action Networks (VA and MD CAN) are collaborations of individuals who want to do something about MS now. The VA CAN is led by the four Virginia chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Blue Ridge, Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and National Capital), and represents more than 10,000 people living with MS throughout the state. The MD CAN is led by the two Maryland chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and represents more than 9,500 people with MS living throughout the state. The Government Relations Committee (GRC) in each state is a small contingent of these groups. The GRC is a group of active and dedicated volunteers who maintain contact with their legislators year-round and set the policy platforms in these areas.
Active volunteers in the District of Columbia serve as Ward Activists and assist with local advocacy efforts throughout DC. These Ward Activists help to meet the needs of over 1,000 people living with MS in DC.
By engaging legislators on both sides of the political aisle, the VA CAN, MD CAN, and Washington DC Action Alert members raise awareness and advocate for policies and programs that will benefit people with MS and their families.
· Get Involved
Find easy ways to be an MS activist, including tips and tools
· Priority MS Issues
Learn about our priorities for improved health care legislation and government programs - at the community, state and national levels.
· About MS Activism
Read about the movement to raise awareness for MS and call for change.
· Success Stories
Read about other MS activists and our success stories.
· Share Your Story
Tell us about your experiences and how you see health care reform.
· Government Programs
Read about available government programs and how they are working for people living with MS.
· Advocacy Resources
Learn about advocacy basics, who represents you, voter registration information, and other useful links.
CONTACT US
Change happens through MS activism. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist.
For more information about the MS Advocacy efforts at the National Capital Chapter, please contact AdvocacyDC@nmss.org.