The success of Society fundraising events is directly related event participants across the chapter area. Help make our event experience meaningful and fun by signing up to volunteer for an event below.

Walk MS
Join us for a one-day event to celebrate the power of our connections. Held in 30 sites throughout Iowa, Minnesota, western Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota in the spring.

• Walk MS: Mason City (Saturday, April 29th)
• Walk MS: St. Cloud (Sunday, April 30th)
• Walk MS: Hudson (Saturday, May 6th)
• Walk MS: Rochester (Saturday, May 6th)
• Walk MS: Twin Cities (Sunday, May 7th)
• Walk MS: Des Moines (Saturday, May 13th)
• Walk MS: Sioux Falls (Saturday, May 20th)

As seen above, there are a lot of events happening in our market! Each event has a wide variety of roles with differing hours, so there are plenty of opportunities to help. There are roles that are especially in need for our events:

• Setup: We have this role for every walk (under “Event Volunteer First shift) and every start/finish site for our bike rides
• First Aid: We need at least 1 per walk. Every rest stop and site during our rides needs 1 as well. Basic first aid certification required
• Route Marking: We need someone to ride with the SAG driver along the route to make sure the signs are ready to guide the participants before the walk begins

Bike MS
Volunteer at any of five extraordinary cycling events across the chapter area. Bike MS kicks off in May and finishes in mid-August.

Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride (Saturday, May 13th)

• 4 Rest Stops across the Twin Cities
• The Lab Taproom is the start/finish site

Bike MS: MS 150 (Friday-Sunday, June 9th-11th)

• 3 Sites: Century College in Saint Paul, Proctor High School near Duluth, and the Grand Casino in Hinckley
• 5 rest stops between Proctor and Hinckley on Saturday the 10th
• 5 rest stops between Hinckley and Saint Paul on the 11th

Bike MS: Ride Across MN (Monday-Friday, July 24th-28th)

• 5-day bike ride that travels through Ottertail, Fergus Falls, Wadena, and Long Prairie
• 3-5 Rest Stops per day
• Registration needed for Sunday, July 23rd

As seen above, there are a lot of events happening in our market! Each event has a wide variety of roles with differing hours, so there are plenty of opportunities to help. There are roles that are especially in need for our events:

• Setup: We have this role for every site of our bike rides. We need volunteers to make sure the tents and amenities are ready for our participants
• First Aid: We need at least 1 per every site and rest stop. Every rest stop and site during our rides needs 1 as well. Basic first aid certification required

Office volunteers assist with the National MS Society’s daily operation from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. We welcome volunteers with a wide range of talents and skills. There is only one requirement: a desire to Join the Movement® to end multiple sclerosis. To volunteer, fill out the online interest form or contact us.

Community Outreach volunteers promote the National MS Society's mission and deepen public engagement in the MS movement. Volunteers work to build awareness, inspire others to contribute to our shared vision of a world free of MS and connect community members to people and resources. Community outreach activities can include (but are not limited to):

• Sharing your story in small groups
• Public speaking
• Fundraising event promotion
• Hosting educational displays (like the State Fair or corporate health fairs)
• Organizing community programs
• Materials distribution
• Developing partnerships with organizations and volunteers in key market areas
• Inspiring others to join a fundraising event
• And more

Helpful toolkits with informational materials and training is provided.

MS groups connect people who have multiple sclerosis with others with similar experiences. Enjoy lively discussion, share valuable information and ways to cope with challenges, have fun and be inspired. Training is provided and required. See job description for more information. If you're interested in starting a group or you have ideas for a new group, contact Jeff at 612-335-7951, 800-582-5296 or jeff.fisher@nmss.org.

Have you ever wanted to bend the ear of your Congress members (without having to travel to Washington D.C.)?  

Congress will be in recess, and members will be back in your state ready to meet with you! You'll have the opportunity to influence important issues, such as federal funding for multiple sclerosis research and policies that help people with MS live their best lives.

National MS Society staff will be setting up meetings throughout Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota in August.

For more information or to sign up, contact Dan at 612-335-3793 or daniel.endreson@nmss.org.