Awareness Raising and Community Education
A key role of ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) is to raise awareness of the condition amongst health professionals, government, community agencies and the general public. ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) runs information sessions; attends conferences and seminars; and regularly distributes information to health practitioners and community health workers.
There are lots of innovative ways that you can help raise awareness of ME/CFS amongst your community. During Awareness Week 2010 a number of members were involved in awareness raising activities.
Write a letter/arrange an interview with your local paper
A short letter outlining your struggle and the need for increased education of health practitioners, and funding for ME/CFS services is an effective way to raise awareness. Arranging an interview with a local or state-based paper could also help to get the message out into the community. If you were able to get a radio interview that would also be fantastic!
In 2010, one of our members had her short letter published in the Melbourne Weekly; another arranged an interview for her daughter in the local paper; and another was interviewed by Richard Stubbs on ABC Radio Melbourne 774.
Organise an awareness raising/fundraising activity
Public activities of any size help to raise awareness. Recent activities focussing on ME/CFS include:
- ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) organised a seminar at the Melbourne Town Hall, featuring Dr. Nicole Phillips and Dr. Don Lewis speaking about 'an update on XMRV' and 'latest treatment options' in ME/CFS.
- The Geelong ME/CFS Support Group organised a table in a local shopping centre with information, merchandise and a donation tin.
- Three friends in the UK are planning to ride 900 miles to raise awareness of ME/CFS and raise money for ME Research UK.
Distribute blue ribbons to key community figures
A member of ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) came up with a simple but effective way of promoting ME/CFS during Awareness week. Each year, she sends a blue ribbon with a short letter to twenty people encouraging them to show their support for ME/CFS by wearing the ribbon on International ME/CFS Awareness Day, May 12.
The letters are adressed to family members, friends, community leaders and government representatives and provides brief information on ME/CFS, how the condition has personally impacted her life, and where to find further information.
A sample of the letter is available for your own use, in rich text format, Word 2003, Word 2007 and PDF format. Blue ribbons are available to purchase for $2 each here.
Arrange displays in your local library or community centre
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) has a ready-made display that can be put up in libraries, community centres, health centres, schools and local clubs. It contains information on ME/CFS in an accessible format, and is available to download here.
All you need to do is organise the space for the display and a time you (or someone else) can put it up! Let us know where it goes up and we'll include a list here. Photos are also welcome!
