You can fight HD, support our families and help search for a cure. Help us.
Supporters
We're thrilled that you're interested in leading HSC activities in your community. This section tells you what is involved in becoming an area representative or creating a local chapter.Getting Started as an Area Representative
What does an area representative do?
Area representatives are volunteers who carry out the mission and goals of the Society in their area.
Your most basic role as area representative is to be a contact for local families and professionals. That means giving National Office your telephone number and e-mail address so we can refer people to you. It's also important to give your contact information to key people in your community. That includes your local:
• information centre
• volunteer centre
• homecare office
• family doctors
• neurologist (if your community has one)
Consider holding at least one public meeting to let families and professionals know that the Huntington Society now has a representative in their community. When you're ready, the staff at National Office can take you through the process step by step. We can help you prepare a press release, design a flyer and notify families and professionals on our mailing list in your area. You will need to contact us at least three months before the date of your meeting so that we can work with you to get lots of media attention and attract as many people as possible.
There are many other things you can do as an area representative, depending on your time, interests and skills. Look through the volunteer sectoin for ideas on development, education and individual and family service activities.
How much or how little you do is up to you. Just remember that the National Office staff is always here to help. And keep in mind that the more visibility you have in the community, the easier it will be to raise funds and improve the quality of life for families living with HD.
How do I become an area representative?
After you have read over this section, think about how you want to be involved, and then call National Office. We can help you decide on the best way to proceed and give you step-by-step guidance in mobilizing your community.
Getting Started as a Chapter
What do chapters do?
Like area representatives, chapters carry out the mission and goals of the Society in their local area. The difference is that an area representative is one person; a chapter is a group of people.
Is it time to form a chapter?
If you have been an area representative for a while and wish to do more, perhaps it's time to form a chapter. That means finding people with the right skills to help you carry out the principal functions of a chapter.
It's a good idea to create balance between people who are connected to HD and other volunteers who have experience with event management, media, service clubs and other fundraising events. This section of the website has lots of useful tips on how to do this.
Don't jump in too soon. Build your base of support by bringing together a group of people who would like to help you. Call the National Office for help in taking the next