Activities to raise awareness of ME/CFS are extremely important. ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) is continually involved in a number of activities to increase understanding and address misconceptions about ME/CFS.
Our awareness raising initiatives include:
- The 'On the Move' project, which involves taking information and resources about ME/CFS to Gippsland;
- Distributing information kits to GPs and other health professionals that provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, management and the latest research on ME/CFS; and
- Participating in health forums and conferences aimed at health professionals.
If you are interested in helping to raise awareness in your own community, some options might be:
- Distributing brochures and information to health professionals and community health centres;
- Selling blue ribbons or wristbands to your club, school or workplace for $2 each;
- Keeping an ME/CFS 'rattle tin' at a local shop; and
- Lobbying state and federal MPs, local government representatives and other community leaders on the critical need for recognition of ME/CFS.
Encourage donations at your events
"Each year, our family hosts a Christmas Party for friends and neighbours. For many years now traditionally, this has been an occasion where we exchange gifts. But, last year, we did something different. Our guests were given the choice of either ‘bringing a gift as usual’ or ‘making a donation to ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)’. We told our friends that we would not provide them with a gift and that we would instead make a donation to the Organisation.
"ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) provided me with Christmas donation forms and information brochures, which I placed on a table with a festive-looking donation box. Our guests were enthusiastic about this idea and so in total , including our own donation, we raised $400."
To download the Christmas donation form, please click here.
To download a Birthday/other party donation form, please click here.
ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) are able to support and resource people who are interested in raising awareness of ME/CFS. Please call the office with your ideas and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you.
More suggestions for charity awareness raising are contained here.
