Movement Ambassadors Orientation and Training

1. Movement AmbassadorsOrientation and Training

2. Movement Ambassadors Movement Ambassadors are: • Talk MS Speakers • Representatives of the Chapter at • Health Fairs or Awareness events • Do It Yourself Fundraisers or other fundraising events • Meetings or Programs • Advocates

3. Training Overview  What is Multiple Sclerosis The National MS Society The Greater Carolinas Chapter Presentation Guidelines  Next Steps

4. Training: What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

5. What Is MS? • Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. • Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. • The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.

6. What Is MS? • Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. • MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide. • The disease is thought to be triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by a combination of one or more environmental factors. • It’s the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. Additional information, including videos and publications, is available at nationalMSsociety.org/what-is-MS

7. Training: The National MS Society

8. The National MS Society In 1946, frustrated by her inability to find solutions to her brother’s visual and balance problems, Sylvia Lawry placed an ad in the New York Times. It read: “Multiple Sclerosis. Will anyone recovered from it please communicate with patient.” She got 50 replies sharing similar frustrations, and then single-handedly launched an international war on MS. Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004 Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

9. The National MS Society From this humble beginning, Sylvia devoted the rest of her life to the pursuit of a world free of MS. On March 11, 1946, Sylvia gathered 20 of the nation's most prominent research scientists and founded what would become the National MS Society (and subsequently the MS International Federation abroad).

10. The National MS Society: Mission Our vision is A World Free of MS Our mission: We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004 Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

11. The National MS Society: Leadership • The Society’s Board of Directors is an elected group of volunteers with legal and fiduciary responsibilities for overseeing Society goals, business operations, and focus in implementing the Society’s strategic response to MS. • The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is composed of • Department Executive Vice Presidents; • Regional Executive Vice Presidents and • the Executive Leadership Team. Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

12. The National MS Society: Core Values As an organization whose vision is to create a world free of multiple sclerosis, the Society strives to live by a set of core values which guide our work and our actions on a daily basis. Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004 Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

13. The National MS Society MS does not discriminate and neither do we. The Society embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion as the core of our organization. • We value differences • Diverse perspectives will help us achieve our mission • We attract and retain a diverse group of talented individuals • We aim to understand what people everywhere need to move their lives forward

14. The National MS Society • In 2010, the National MS Society embarked on a five-year strategic roadmap, titled the Strategic Response: 2011-2015. • Rather than just a traditional organizational strategic plan, it strives to be a response to the brutal facts of living with MS and identifies what must be done, not only at the Society, but globally to achieve a world free of MS. • Each of the five strategic goals is supported by the objectives and expected outcomes that impact the lives of everyone affected by MS.

15. The National MS Society The five strategic goals for 2011-2015 are: • We are a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever. • We develop, deliver and leverage resources to enhance care for people with MS and quality of life for those affected by the disease. • We are leaders in the worldwide MS movement, mobilizing millions of people to do something about MS now. • We are activists. • We develop and align human, business and financial resources to achieve breakthrough results. Additional information is available at nationalMSsociety.org/about-the-society Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

16. The National MS Society How we spend donations

17. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Advocates for Change: MS activists are on the frontline, moving and speaking with one clear voice to advance policies that benefit people with MS and their families. • Become an MS activist • Share your story • Join the MS Activist Network Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

18. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Provides Resources &Support: The Society offers a variety of programs, services, resources and connection opportunities for people living with and affected by MS, including family members, caregivers and other members of their support systems. • Visit nationalMSsociety.org/resources-support • Contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 • Connect with others at MSconnection.org • Contact your local chapter

19. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Support for people living MS also includes the following: • Family and Relationships • Financial Assistance • Employment, Insurance and Financial planning • Health and Wellness • Social and Emotional Support • Mobility and Accessibility • MS Education

20. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Fundraises: • Walk MS • Bike MS • Challenge Walk MS • Muck Fest MS • Do-It-Yourself Fundraising From fundraising events to influencing policy, to giving financially, everyone can make a difference. Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

21. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Supports Research: We are a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever. • $820 million in research funding to date • 13 therapies approved by the FDA • Become a NOW Research Champion. • Sign up for email updates. • Visit nationalmssociety.org/research Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

22. The National MS Society Through our 50-state network of chapters, the Society identifies solutions so that people affected by MS live their best lives. Mobilizes people who are passionate about our mission: “There is no cure for MS, so I’ve joined with thousands of others to do something about MS now!” Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004 Tiffany Diagnosed in 2004

23. Training: Greater Carolinas Chapter

24. Greater Carolinas Chapter • Chapter Offices in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh • Chapter areaincludes 97 counties in NC and all of SC • Serve over 17,400 people living with MS in NC and SC

25. Greater Carolinas Chapter • Major Mass Market Events • Walk MS – 18 events in NC and SC • Triangle Walk is largest in the Southeast Region • Bike MS – 4 events • Historic New Bern Ride – largest in the Southeast Region • Breakaway to the Beach • Tour to Tanglewood • Gears and Cheers • Challenge Walk – Savannah, GA • Programs and Services • Advocacy

26. Training: Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau

27. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau

28. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau

29. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau Goals of the Speaker’s Bureau • Raise awareness of MS • Raise the profile of the National MS Society • Encourage volunteerism • Promote participation in fundraising events

30. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau Speakers make presentations to such groups as: • Civic and community groups • Rotary • Kiwanis • Sertoma • Civitan • Schools • Churches • Businesses

31. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau Speakers also: • Man information tables at Health Fairs • Participate in MS Awareness Week activities • Seek out opportunities to speak • Make the chapter aware of connections in the community • Write letters to the editor • Seek to tell your story to the media • Report back to Chapter about your presentations

32. Talk MS Speaker’s Bureau The Chapter provides: • Training • Materials • Mentoring • Emails and letters sent annually to community, civic organizations in the Chapter area

33. Training: Guidelines for Representing the Society

34. Guidelines for representing the Society When acting as a representative of the Chapter: • Abide by the Chapter’s Confidentiality policy • Complete volunteer consent/code of conduct form annually • Return to the chapter representative • Use accurate and considerate language • Be an objective listener • Refer requests for advice or questions about medication/symptoms to the National MS Society

35. Guidelines for representing the Society Remember you are perceived to be the spokesperson for the MS Society: • Use discretion in sharing your personal experiences • Don’t just “wing it” when answering a question • Direct questioner to 1-800-FIGHT MS and the National website: www.nationalMSsociety.org • Remember: You can not represent another entity while acting as a Talk MS Speaker

36. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Checklist – Be sure you know: • where you are going • what time you are supposed to be there • the name of the contact and have a contact phone number • the make up of the group you are speaking to • how long you have to speak • your material • what kind of technology capabilities the meeting location has available • your facts

37. Presentation Components Presentations should contain: • Introduction of yourself as a representative of the Society • A description of Multiple Sclerosis • Its symptoms, diagnosis • Its unpredictable nature • It is the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults

38. Presentation Components Presentations MUST contain: • An overview of the National MS Society • An overview of the Chapter area • A description of Programs and Services and Advocacy • An overview of the Chapter’s signature fundraisers • A description of how the listener can donate • An overview of volunteer opportunities

39. Presentation Components Always: • Distribute chapter brochures during presentation • Suggest that the audience keep the brochures because it is likely they will meet someone who has MS • Try to connect personally with audience

40. Presentation Components Presentations should NOT contain: • Advice on medications, symptoms • Referrals to particular physicians • Partisan political comments • Statements about controversial issues • Agreement to send information to someone who did not personally request it • Any off-color or inappropriate jokes or comments or any suggestive comments

41. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Making an effective presentation: • Be yourself • Connect with the audience • Use discretion in sharing personal stories and information • Respect time limits Remember the goal is to raise awareness about MS and the Society!

42. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Making an effective presentation: • Be engaging • Make eye contact • Show your personality • Use body language effectively • Avoid distracting mannerisms or verbal tics Remember: You are the visual aid.

43. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Create the right impression: • Consciously manage your voice • Lower your pitch • Take a breath and relax before beginning • Watch your inflection • Slow down your pace • Articulate • Use pauses for emphasis Remember: Being nerves can cause you to speak with a higher pitch.

44. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Making a great presentation: • Know the material • Have notes (but don’t be tied to them) • Give yourself written clues • Use note cards or large fonts • Ignore mistakes • Articulate • Practice before a mirror • Time yourself Remember: Don’t read every word!

45. Tips for Effective Public Speaking Making a great presentation: • Relax • Remember – the audience wants you to succeed • Watch your posture – don’t slump or clutch the podium • Tailor the presentation to the audience • Don’t get distracted • Don’t try to give too much information • Leave time for Q & A • Handle problems with grace • Thank the group for the opportunity Remember: Send a thank you note!

46. Training: Story Telling

47. Story Telling: As Best Practice by Andy Goodman, www.agoodmanonline.com Numbers numb, jargon jars, and nobody ever marched on Washington because of a pie chart. If you want to connect to your audience, tell them a story. • Stories influence giving and bring the invisible and abstract to life. • People are hardwired to respond to stories.

48. Story Telling: How to tell stories • Start • with • a few facts • Deepen the story • Narrative Story Telling • Payoff/emotion at end

49. Story Telling: How to tell stories Basic Elements of a story: • Protagonist – person following through the story • Give the context or background • Must be an individual • Inciting Incident – the barrier or obstacle and the goal • Use scenes with details and dialogue • Not just telling • Make audience feel that they are in the moment • Result – what happened • How did you overcome? What was the success or lesson learned? • Use summary to move story along (explanation, collapsed time, etc.)

50. Training: Next Steps