What does the National Multiple Sclerosis Society do?

The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. We offer a range of services and programs to help people cope with the everyday demands of living with MS. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from numbness in the limbs to blindness to paralysis.

Why are National MS Society volunteers important?

Because they are a part of the Society's tremendous power source of PEOPLE POWER needed to enrich programs and aid staff members.

How can volunteers help the National Capital Chapter?

Volunteers can help to meet the needs of people with MS, help raise necessary funds, improve public relations, and solve problems.

How can MS volunteers help themselves?

Volunteers have the opportunity to develop creativity, meet new people, explore new careers, and grow personally.

What do NMSS volunteers do?

They serve as peer support group leaders, rest stop captains, advocates, truck drivers, fundraisers, envelope stuffers, cheerleaders, massage therapists, data entry supporters, and much more!

What are some volunteer opportunities?

There are special events that require help before, during, and after they take place, service and educational programs, and opportunities to volunteer your time in the office.

What are some of the events volunteers can work on?

The NMSS organizes many events throughout the year that rely on strong and active volunteers to ensure the success of the event. The "BIG 3" events are the 13th Annual MS Walk, the 19th Annual Snow Valley MS 150 Bike Tour, and Marathon Strides Against MS. The Walk, a 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12-mile pledge event with routes in Fairfax, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Prince William Counties, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. The Snow Valley MS 150 Bike Tour, a one or two-day pledge event with 30-, 60-, 100-, and 150-mile routes from Manassas to Fredericksburg, Virginia, will occur on Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20. Marathon Strides Against MS is a 26-week training program that consists of runners who raise money for multiple sclerosis and participate in the prestigious Marine Corps Marathon on October 28, 2001. There are many other weekend and weeknight events that need volunteers. To check them out, go to the NMSS, National Capital Chapter website at www.MSandYOU.org and click on "chapter events".

What sort of office support is needed?

Office volunteers help out with stuffing mailings, answering phones, thanking donors, running office errands, photocopying, and performing other administrative tasks. The tasks are not always glorious, but the help is always appreciated and needed. And, if you are in need of service hours for work or school, we can provide you with the service hours you need.

How can you become a NMSS volunteer?

Call Kelly Caughlin, the volunteer coordinator, at (202) 375-5626 for further information or to sign up to volunteer. There is also a Volunteer Form on our website: www.MSandYOU.org. Click on "volunteering" and then fill out the "volunteer registration form."