Resources and Support for National MS Society Connection Program Volunteers
There are nearly 1,400 Society affiliated self-help groups across the United States engaging some 30,000 people with MS, family members and friends. In addition, there are approximately 200 peer support volunteers working one-on-one with people affected by MS. The Society recognizes the valuable role self-help groups and one-on-one peer support connections play in addressing the informational, emotional and social support needs of people living MS. We also recognize that well trained and supported volunteers are key to the ongoing delivery of this core service.
The following resources are available to assist and support you in your leadership role:
Best Practices for Managing and Leading Self-Help Groups: A Manual for National MS Society Self-Help Group Leaders, a handbook for leaders containing group management guidelines, strategies for maintaining group member engagement, managing difficult behaviors, and tools for measuring the group effectiveness. Download the handbook.
Volunteer Telelearnings
| Topic | Download Materials | Date of Training |
| Using Positive Psychology In Your Life **NEW** | 5/13 | |
| Managing Difficult Behaviors in Peer Relationships | 2/13 | |
| Powering the National MS Society's Research Investments: The Peer Review Process | .mp3 | 8/12 |
| Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in the Peer Relationship | .mp3 | 6/12 |
| Making Comfortable Treatment Decisions: Tips for Thinking Clearly about Benefits and Risks | 2/12 | |
| An Overview of the Programs and Services of the National MS Society and Our Partners |
Society Programs and Services (.pdf) CaringBridge (.pdf) |
10/11 |
| Mood and Cognition Issues in MS (Part II) | 9/10 | |
| Mood and Cognition Issues in MS (Part I) | 4/10 |
Group Meeting Tool Kits
To facilitate dialogue and discussion around issues important to people living with MS, the Society has developed meeting tool kits for use in your meetings. These kits are intended to provide a framework for discussion around critical topics.
| Toolkit | Download Materials |
| Living Well with MS (new!) | |
| Pain and Sleep (North American Education Program 2012) |
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| Mood Changes and MS | |
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Working for Me: Research in Understanding and Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (North American Education Program 2011)
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| Free From Falls: A Fall Prevention Programs for People with MS | |
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Live Fully, Live Well: A Wellness Program for People with MS and Their Support Partners |
Looking for a telelearning or toolkit that isn't posted here anymore? Try the archived resources.