Empowering volunteers to do something about MS! · PDF fileJeff recalls the event saying, ......
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Empowering volunteers to do something about MS! Summer 2012
Transcript of Empowering volunteers to do something about MS! · PDF fileJeff recalls the event saying, ......
Empowering volunteers to do something about MS!
Summer 2012
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Contents
5 Multi-taSking: Read the story of volunteer, Jeff Viscount
7 Making awarE: Featuring Movement Ambassadors and Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau
8 talk MS and StorytElling: Including the story of volunteer, Tracey Allen-Wolsko
10 Making it work:How does Paula Winkler Make it Work
12 voluntEErS in Motion:Pictures of volunteers at different 2012 events
16 Mobilizing voluntEErS:Read about how two volunteers have inspired many others to help the Society
19 MotivatE, MEntor and ManagE:Describing Walk MS Task Forces
21MEEting nEEdS: Volunteer opportunities for Service Days
23 officE voluntEErS:See pictures of people who volunteer in our Chapter offices
24 young profESSionalS groupS:Opportunities for Young Professionals in the Chapter area
25 fundraiSing:Learn different ways to raise money to fight MS
26 MEEt thE Staff:Read about volunteer staff in our Chapter
A father in Minnesota shares how he’s feeling.
It stops a woman in Oregon,who’s lost her job and her boyfriend,
from wanting to give up.
A father in Minnesota shares how he’s feeling.
It stops a woman in Oregon,who’s lost her job and her boyfriend,
from wanting to give up.
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Dear volunteers:
As a volunteer with the Greater Carolinas Chapter, you have a vital role in making the vision of a world free of MS a reality. You bring new talents, resources and ideas to the MS Movement, and we want to find ways to empower you to become more involved. In this issue of the M-Power e-magazine, you will read about volunteers who are doing amazing things in the movement and learn how you can make a difference using your skills, energy and passion. How will you Join the Movement?
Paula LipfordDirector of Volunteer Engagement 919-792-1017 or [email protected]
Register to volunteer: Visit the volunteer page at the chapter website to register as a volunteer and let us know your interests, skills and availability.
voluntEErS froM thE MEtrolina QuEEnS
Volunteers can use their skills in many different ways.
Multi-tasking
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In 2003, Jeff Viscount, age 49 of Charlotte, NC was prompted by his friends to ride in his first ever Bike MS: Breakaway to the Beach. At that point, Jeff didn’t know what multiple sclerosis was.
Jeff recalls the event saying, “I remember doing the 65 mile Saturday route from Rockingham, NC and wondering if I would make it. I made it, and was hooked.”
Since then, Jeff has been involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a volunteer, participant, and staff member. Some of Jeff’s many hats include: volunteer on the Bike MS logistics committee, Bike MS Committee Chair, bike SAG at Challenge Walk event, Co-Captain of the Y Xtreme Cycling Team, and Bike Logistics Manager (staff) at the former Mid Atlantic Chapter.
“Over the years I have come to care for so many friends that I’ve met while volunteering and working for the MS Society. Some are living with MS and some have lost loved ones to MS. They all continue to motivate my support.”
So far, Jeff and his wife Anne have raised over $55,000 for the National MS Society. They are currently training for the 2012 Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood and hope to raise $15,000. Jeff is also consulting with the Charlotte staff to plan the logistics of the 2012 Bike MS: Breakaway to the Beach ride.
Jeff plans to continue volunteering for Walk and
Bike MS events for years to come. He is inspired by watching participants complete their goals. One of Jeff’s most memorable moments is watching participants walk the final mile of the Challenge Walk, a 50 mile, three day event.
“It is a very powerful finish to the event that brings together the people with MS, participants, and volunteers in a way that no other MS event can, says Jeff.”
Consider how you can get more involved and become a multi-
tasking volunteer. Check out the volunteer page on our website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/nct.
cycliSt, JEff viScount
Making Aware Movement Ambassadors are volunteers who raise awareness about MS and the chapter in many different ways. Some Movement Ambassadors are Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau presenters who engage the community through presentations. Some man health fair tables and share information with the general public. Others attend Community or Do It Yourself Fundraising events on behalf of the Chapter, or they attend a program or event in place of chapter staff. And others still are advocates who attend meetings, appear before town councils or visit with their local or state representatives. These Movement
Ambassadors all make a difference, helping to expand the reach of the Chapter and raise awareness about MS.
Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau In this issue we are highlighting the Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau. These speakers are very important members of the chapter’s volunteer workforce. They share their stories about the impact MS has had on their lives or the lives of loved ones. The goal of the Speaker’s Bureau is to raise awareness and the profile of the chapter through presentations to community and civic groups, schools, churches or businesses. Speakers receive ongoing training, updated materials and support from the Chapter.
intErn JESSica hall and voluntEEr rEginald parkEr on world MS day
Nine Years and Counting
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Do you know what you were doing on January 15, 2009? That is a day that Tracey Allen-Wolsko, age 40 of Huntersville, NC, will never forget- the day of the fateful Miracle on the Hudson. Tracey walked away from the plane crash, but after nine months, she started having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder which involved grinding her teeth. Although Tracey believed the symptoms were related to the plane crash, they were actually her first symptoms of relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis.
After her diagnosis on August 20, 2010, Tracey was consumed by MS and all the “what if” questions that accompany life changing news. She began her “pity party and feeling sorry for herself.” A few weeks later, Tracey turned 39 and received a wonderful gift from her therapist- the ability to see her situation in a new light, and to start thinking “what is” instead of “what if.” So, Tracey picked herself up, registered for a half marathon and never looked back.
Says Tracey, “I live each day and know that I will have good ones and bad ones. I live life to the fullest on the good ones, and rest on the bad ones. I have learned that while there is no cure or known disease progression, there is nothing in life that is promised to me.”
With an inspirational story like this, it is no wonder that Tracey decided to volunteer for Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau. Tracey wants to share her story and to show others that MS affects individuals in different ways. She describes MS as “an often misunderstood disease” because most people do not truly comprehend the impact that MS has on a person’s life. Tracey has taken on the roles of educator, coach, and cheerleader, and hopes to inspire other people who have been diagnosed with MS. Tracey plans to continue sharing her story, volunteering and participating in Society events, and showing people that they, too, can live full lives with MS.
Life can change in an instantTracey’s StoryTalk MS and
Storytelling
The Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau presenters help put a face on the disease. Their stories make life with MS a reality for their audiences. According to Andy Goodman in his book Storytelling as Best Practice, humans are hardwired to respond to stories. For millions of years, our history has been passed down through storytelling, and research tells us that there may even be a biological component to our affinity
for stories. Individual stories are more convincing than data, and stories bring the abstract to life for the audience. As an organization, we have much compelling data, but we need your stories to bring it to life. Please consider sharing your story with us, so that our audiences will be engaged with our mission – a world free of MS. Submit your stories to the Volunteer Story Bank. E-mail them to [email protected].
nuMbErS nuMb, Jargon JarS, and
nobody EvEr MarchEd on waShington bEcauSE
of a piE chart. if you want to connEct with
your audiEncE, tEll thEM a Story.
- andy goodMan
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When the going gets tough, the tough get going and that’s just what Paula Winkler does.
Motivated by her brother who was living with MS, Paula and her husband, Ward, took their first steps in the movement by participating in the 2002 Challenge walk and soon decided they needed to do more. Paula joined the Challenge Walk committee in 2007 and since then has become the committee chair and a true leader for the event. She loves being on the committee because she enjoys dealing with the details and working through the logistics.
She says, “I love organizing everything that goes into the event. I especially enjoy mapping the route.”
Through all the changes and challenges this event has faced, Paula has made it work! While the staff may refer to her as the Queen of Challenge Walk or Event Director, Paula thinks of herself as the Family Reunion Coordinator.
“Everyone involved at the society has become family to Ward and I, and [the] Challenge walk is like our big family reunion. We love it.” Paula says.
Paula continued to get involved and take leadership roles in Service Days, The Great Gatsby Gala, Walk MS, and Bike MS. Paula also works full time, has two sons, and four young grandchildren. How can she balance it all? We aren’t sure, but she makes it work!
Making it work
paula and hEr huSband, ward
Don’t just ride, Bike MS.
BIKE MS: BREAKAWAY TO THE BEACH ///
SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2012 /// 2 DAYS /// 50-200 MILES
REGISTER TODAY ///
BREAKAWAYTOTHEBEACH.ORG /// 800 344 4867
paula at challEngE walk Start SitE, 2012
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Volunteers in Motion
Challenge Walk MS: Charleston Challenge 2012
Walk MS 2012
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Activist Volunteers MuckRuckus MS Carolinas
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MobilizingFr a n k y Wa t e r s is a master at mobilizing volunteers. A long-time volunteer herself, for the last seven years she has recruited local volunteers for Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride. Her volunteers from the New Bern Woman’s Club serve in vital roles supporting the event.
Franky has a very personal commitment to finding a cure for MS.
As she explains, “In 2003 I visited my 30 year old son who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was very excited to tell me about his new girlfriend. He also informed me that he was in love, and that Jenny (his new girlfriend) had been diagnosed with MS while working on her master’s degree at Cal Poly College. After meeting Jenny and learning more about multiple sclerosis, which can be a very debilitating disease, I became committed to helping to find a cure for MS in hopes of a better life for this lovely woman that my son loves.”
A few years later, Franky saw an ad in the local New Bern newspaper seeking volunteers to help at the annual Bike MS event. She called the Raleigh office, and learned that they needed a group of volunteers to make sandwiches to have at rest stops for the cyclists. As a member of the New Bern Woman’s Club, all it took was a few phone calls, and she very quickly recruited twenty club members who made 2,500 turkey wrap sandwiches.
Since then, with Franky as the volunteer coordinator, the club has increased its presence at Bike MS. Annually, over 30 volunteers, work as greeters, serve as bike room monitors and help with registration at the event. They play an integral role in making the event run smoothly. Franky says that the NBWC members are impressed by the professionalism of the cyclists, and they have commented many times that “the Bike MS cyclists have the best manners in North Carolina. They thank us for working, and we thank them for raising money for the cure.”
Franky’s work recruiting local volunteers for Bike MS enables the Chapter’s volunteer staff to focus on recruitment for other important jobs. We rely on her and the New Bern Woman’s Club and appreciate all they do to support Bike MS. “the Bike MS cyclists have the best manners in North Carolina. They thank us for working, and we thank them for raising money for the cure.”
franky watErS
Franky’s work recruiting local volunteers for Bike MS enables the Chapter’s volunteer staff to focus on recruitment for other important jobs. We rely on her and the New Bern Woman’s Club and appreciate all they do to support Bike MS.
Franky has also received tremendous support from members of the Twin Rivers Shag Club and Trent Woods Garden Club, not to mention many of her close friends. So if Franky calls you to work one of the many position required to pull off this successful fundraiser, please say YES.
nEw bErn woMan’S club MEMbErS, 2006
C i n d y Ru s s e l l became a volunteer with the society in 2004. Cindy was working as a nurse with MS patients at a neurology practice when she became familiar with the programs and services the chapter offers to people living with MS. She began volunteering by serving on the first Kid’s Camp planning committee. This important family program annually serves on average 30 children, ages 10 to 14, who have a parent or guardian living with MS.
Kid’s Camp has become one of the Chapter’s most popular programs. At this weekend retreat, kids have an opportunity to meet others sharing similar life experiences. They cindy ruSSEll, voluntEEr
VO LU N T E E R S
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are treated to a weekend in camp lodges, enjoying such activities as canoeing, swimming, camp fires, and a party. A local neurologist is also available to educate the kids about MS and to answer questions about the disease and symptoms.
Cindy has not only served on the planning committee since it began in 2004, but she has also served as the Camp Nurse every year. She uses her medical expertise to play an invaluable role, managing medications for the campers, checking on them during the weekend, and, if necessary, accompanying a camper to the hospital. She also builds relationships with the campers by participating in their activities. Campers returning year after year know Cindy, and she has become a vital part of the camp. Cindy not only volunteers at Kid’s Camp herself, she recruits other nurses to volunteer at the camp, and for several years she brought along her son, Sean, to volunteer. Cindy has expanded her volunteer role beyond Kid’s Camp. She serves on the Nurse’s Speaker’s Bureau, volunteers as a medic at Bike MS, Walk MS and MuckRuckus MS, and she frequently
shares Society publications and information with people newly diagnosed with MS. Cindy is a great example of a volunteer who uses her skills to provide vital support to the chapter and mobilizes other volunteers to serve as well.
voluntEErS arE Still nEEdEd for kid’S caMp.
this year marks the 9th year of kid’s camp, located at camp chestnut ridge in Efland, NC. Camp will be held August 17-19, 2012. You can choose to volunteer for part or all of the weekend. camp begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Road in Efland. Please contact Barbara Goettsch at 919-834-0678, ext. 51212 if you would like to volunteer.
cindy ruSSEll and Son, SEan, at kid’S caMp party
Motivate, Mentor and Manage Walk MS Task Forces
Thousands of people join the movement every year at one of our 13 Walk MS events. It’s a day to come together, get connected, and walk to create a world free of MS. But the day wouldn’t be as meaningful as it is without the hard work and dedication of our Walk MS task forces. These volunteers share their time and talents to help us plan, prepare, and manage our Walk MS events. The groups play such a vital role in helping us spread awareness, recruit and motivate participants, secure donated items, mentor fellow team captains and fundraisers, and contact local businesses, organizations, and media to gain their support. Be a part of making Walk MS such an inspirational day by joining this group of very special volunteers.
walk task force volunteers are needed in: for MorE inforMation
western nc and Sc: Kristin Hoke, 704-612-2705, [email protected] Eastern nc: Mary Somerville, 919-792-1017, [email protected]
north carolina:Fayetteville GreenvilleGreenvilleGoldsboroRaleighShelbyWilmington
South carolina:Asheville/Hendersonville AikenCabarrus/Rowan CharlestonCharlotte Columbia
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Don’t just ride,Bike MS.Bike MS: HiStoric new Bern ride ///
SepteMBer 8-9, 2012 ///
1-800-344-4867 or www.MSBike.org ///
In order to better serve people living with MS, the Greater Carolinas Chapter is excited to announce that we will be piloting a new volunteer project: Service Day Teams. These teams of volunteers will work together on such projects as painting, yard work, re-organization, or other minor projects with which people living with MS might need assistance. Our goal is to have teams of volunteers trained and ready to help with projects as the need arises. We will begin our pilot project by recruiting volunteers in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville and Greenville, SC. Teams are asked to complete two Service Projects per year. Volunteers will receive training for the following positions:
Team Captains: Team captains are responsible for setting up two projects per year. They will plan projects and communicate with team members to ensure the project is completed correctly and safely.
Assessors: Before each project, an assessor from the team must make a visit to the project site to verify the projects and list the supplies needed. They also note the skills required for the project, time needed, and any apparent safety hazards or risks.
Team Members: Team members are asked to participate in the two projects per year that their team captain has planned.
Meeting Needsservice day teams
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“I did truly love that day I loved feeling like a part of the community, and I loved working with others towards a common goal. Nothing feels better than feeling like you are helping someone. There isn’t much I can personally do against MS so I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something small such as fundraising or volunteering for the service project. I left, after that 1/2 day of helping a family, feeling lucky and inspired. I’m certain I gained much more from the experience than the family we helped. I would recommend participating in Service Day to anyone who is able and has the opportunity.”
- Libby Fox, Tour of Champions Service Project volunteer
Click here to sign up as a volunteer and please note whether you would like to be a Team Captain, Assessor, or Team Member on the form. All Service Day volunteers are required to attend the training session in September, and must complete a secure online background check at no cost to you.
offiCe Volunteers
Our office volunteers are undercover superstars. If you receive a letter or registration packet from the chapter office, chances are one of our volunteers has been involved in the process of getting it to you. They save the staff an incredible amount of time, and they don’t seem to mind completing even the most mundane of tasks (envelope-sealing anyone?) without complaining. Several of them volunteer regularly and commit to come every week. We love piling them high with registration packet materials and data entry projects, Bike MS bibs, and acknowledgement letters. Some also take materials home with them and work on projects there, and they save the day when our Walk MS and Bike MS seasons approach.
We are so thankful for the generous help we have received from all you wonderful office volunteers this year, and welcome anyone else who may be interested in helping out! From Boy Scout troops to retired individuals, busy career persons and college students, we appreciate you and invite you to volunteer sometime soon…we can’t wait to meet you.
Join a team today!
How will you get involved in service day
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THE MANY WAYS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CAN BE INVOLVED
• Join Modern Society in Raleigh. Click for website and Meetup group.
• Join Movers & Shakers in Charlotte. Click for website.
• Get involved with the Cheers & Beers team in Wilmington to help raise awareness and funds through unique fundraisers.
• Join young professionals in Columbia, SC and help kick-off this new initiative.
• Start your own Young Professionals initiative in your area. To find out how, contact Paula Lipford at 919-834-0678, ext. 51217.
ModErn SociEty MEMbErS hoSting thE young adultS Education prograM
MovErS & ShakErS SErvicE day
Ways to fundraise • Do it yourself fundraisers. Come up with a unique idea and host a community fundraiser. Click here
for fundraising webpage.
• Become a team captain and recruit members to help fundraise for Bike MS, Walk MS or MuckRuckus MS.
• Use your professional skills to help with PR and Marketing projects.
• Help advocate for the Society. Join the Action Alert, attend local meetings, engage elected officials. Click here for advocacy webpage.
Opt InAre you or someone you know missing out on important messages from the Chapter?
We send many important communications about volunteering via e-mail. If you have opted out of e-mail messages, we may not be able to send you timely information. Consider changing your preferences. Here’s how:
• Log-in to your MS Society account here
• Once you are logged in, click here
• Update your preferences and click save.
If you have question, e-mail Mary Somerville at [email protected] or Kristin Hoke at [email protected].
voluntEErS froM thE charlESton city QuEEnS
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Meet the staff!Paula LipfordDirector, Volunteer Engagement, Raleigh NC
Paula has been with the society for five years working with volunteers in every aspect of the organization. She works from the Raleigh office where she manages the Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau, Raleigh internship program, and much more. Paula also focuses on creating volunteer opportunities chapter-wide and is continually working on volunteer leadership development. She oversees Task Forces for Walk MS, Bike MS, Muckruckus and Programs and Services. Paula is also the staff liaison for Modern Society, the young professionals group in Raleigh. When not working, Paula and her husband enjoy hosting high school exchange students. Paula can be reached at 919-792-1017 or at [email protected].
Kristin HokeCommunity Development Coordinator, Charlotte NC
Kristin began working with the society in February 2012 as the full-time volunteer coordinator in the Charlotte office. She manages event volunteers for Walk MS in Western NC and all of South Carolina, as well as Bike MS: Breakaway to the Beach and Challenge Walk: Charleston Challenge. She also manages the internship program and office volunteers in Charlotte. Kristin is the staff liaison for Movers and Shakers, the young professionals group in Charlotte. She manages the development of Task Forces for Western NC and SC events and programs. Kristin also assists Paula in recruiting and training volunteers for the Speaker’s Bureau. When not working, Kristin enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Kristin can be reached at 704-612-2705 or at [email protected].
Mary SomervilleCommunity Development Coordinator, Raleigh NC
Mary came on board as the part-time volunteer coordinator in March 2012. She recruits and manages volunteers for events in eastern NC including Walk MS, Bike MS: New Bern Ride, and Muckruckus MS Carolinas. She also recruits and coordinates office volunteers in Raleigh. In addition, Mary helps identify and recruit volunteers for committees and leadership teams. Mary is a talented musician, and when she is off the clock for the society she stays busy teaching piano. Mary can be reached at 919-792-1014 or at [email protected].
