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Volunteer

The Upper Midwest Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and several counties in western Wisconsin and Nebraska, and raises funds for critical MS research. Join the Movement toward a world free of MS.

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  1. Fundraising Events

    Volunteer at a fundraising event

    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.

    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.

      Learn More

    Jessica Blosberg
    612-335-7924
    Email
  2. Volunteerism

    Office support volunteer

    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.

      Learn More

    Jessica Blosberg
    612-335-7924
    Email
  3. Volunteerism

    Youth Camp

    Volunteer for Youth Camp

    The success of Youth Camp is directly related to the wonderful volunteers who help make the program go off without a hitch. We welcome volunteers with a wide range of talents and skills. There is only one requirement: the desire to Join the Movement® to end multiple sclerosis. 

    MS Youth Camp will be held at YMCA Camp Icaghowan in Amery, WI from June 17-22, 2019. Volunteers will be expected to arrive at camp the afternoon of June 16 to attend on-site training. If you'd like to apply to become a volunteer, please submit an application for the position of your choice at the links below, If you have any questions, please contact Krista at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org.

    Apply now!

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Camp counselor*
    In partnership with other volunteers, camp staff and MS Society staff, provide supervision, support and guidance to participants at MS Youth Camp. Co-lead an assigned group of 8-18 youth. Help to create a fun, safe environment for campers in which they can play, relax, challenge themselves and discuss their experience of having a loved one who has MS. To view the full job description or to apply, click here.

    Day volunteer
    If you are unable to commit for the entire week but would love to help out at camp for a day or two, that is also an option. Simply reach out to Krista Harding at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org.

    Activity Lead
    Do you have a special skill or activity idea that could translate into a fun program at MS Youth Camp?  Contact Krista Harding at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org to explore options related to activity facilitation.  

    *=greatest need

    View Youth Camp counselor FAQs.

      Learn More

    Krista Harding
    612-335-7937
    Email
  4. Volunteerism

    Community Outreach

    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.

    If you're interested in becoming a Community Outreach Volunteer, fill out the online interest form or contact us.

      Learn More

    Jessica Blosberg
    612-335-7924
    Email
  5. Volunteerism

    MS Club or Group facilitator

    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.

      Learn More

    Jeff Fisher
    612-335-7951
    Email
  6. Advocacy

    Advocate for people with MS

    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.

      Learn More

    Daniel Endreson
    612-335-3793
    Email
  7. Advocacy

    District Activist Leader

    Have you met with your elected official and shared how MS affects you? Are you interested in growing this relationship to keep people with MS are front of mind as he or she considers legislation? Lead the way in your community by becoming a volunteer District Activist Leader.

    As a District Activist Leader, you will build and foster critical relationships with the elected officials in your legislative district. You will serve as a liaison between these officials and the Society, helping to develop a reliable grassroots movement across the state and the country.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Take a leadership role in engaging with elected officials via multiple avenues to help foster a relationship between MS activists and elected officials.
    • Collaborate with your State’s Government Relations Committee
    • Attend MS State Action Days and/or Public Policy Conference when possible
    • Monitor and track the elected official’s district activities and public events
    • Attend town hall meetings and other public forums to engage on issues that impact people affected by MS
    • Help build the MS movement’s profile of elected officials by providing key biographical data and information to Society government relations staff
    • Conduct in-district legislative visits when needed
    • Complete on-going training

    Qualifications:

    • Able to represent MS movement position on local, state and federal issues
    • Comfortable with public speaking
    • Strong Interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills
    • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel, internet)
    • Interest in growing Social Media skills to connect with elected officials
    • Able to travel to and from district meetings/events

    Time Commitment:

    This is an ongoing position requiring a time commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per month (some months more and some months less depending on legislative cycles) for a minimum of two years. Regular calls and meetings with Society government relations staff will be required to discuss progress and strategize next steps.

    Education and Support:

    Training and support will be provided by Society staff as well as other volunteer leaders.

    If you're interested in becoming a District Activist Leader, please complete a volunteer registration form.  A regional Advocacy staff member will contact you with next steps.

      Sign Up

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