Program Notes

Becoming a Support Group Leader is Easy with MSAA
Building new friendships, learning valuable information, and getting connected with people who care are just some of the many benefits people enjoy by participating in an MSAA support group. Each year, MSAA and its regional offices strive to develop and launch new support groups across the country.

To help with this expansion, MSAA conducts easy-to-follow training sessions on starting and running a successful support group. By working closely with an MSAA staff member, interested clients are carefully guided through a detailed training program, which features a 14-page, step-by-step instruction manual. The manual describes the role and activities of an MSAA support group, the beginning and ongoing functions of the facilitator, and the keys to maintaining positive group dynamics.

In addition to the initial training, MSAA staff members provide on-going contact, guidance, and follow-up training to support group leaders. Each MSAA support group leader/group also receives:

• Start up and annual maintenance funds (to cover expenses such as printing, postage, room rentals, refreshments, etc.)
• MS related educational materials and news updates
• Ideas for guest speakers, discussion topics, and group activities
• Monthly telephone consultation with MSAA staff and periodic in-person visits to group meetings
• Opportunities for formal training and interaction with fellow support group leaders

Typical activities of a support group include group discussions, guest speakers, and social outings. Additionally, MSAA is now helping our groups to become “service providers.” MSAA encourages its support groups to reach out and help others with MS in the community. This outside involvement adds excitement to the group, brings members closer together, and supports others with MS.

By volunteering as a “service provider,” support group members work with MSAA on various programs and activities. These activities include conducting in-home assessments for the Pathways for Independence program, visiting clients who are homebound or recently hospitalized, arranging for public education forums, and assisting with various fundraisers for MSAA.

If you’re the type of person who wants to become involved and put your skills, energy, and compassion to great use, then we would love to train you to join our team of support group leaders. To receive an application, please call MSAA at (800) 532-7667.