I am an MS activist.
I have to admit, I haven’t thought of myself as an activist. I had a stereotypical picture in my head of an activist, leading protests, marching around with signs, organizing sit-ins, that sort of stuff. But the term has evolved to include so much more. Sitting down for a one-on-one meeting, making a phone call, sending an email are also ways to make your views known to decision makers.
The National MS Society says this so much better than I do, with this excellent video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAdlG3iTqkM&feature=youtu.be.
Personally, have I been an activist? Not as active as some, but I have contacted a few members of Congress and plan to continue to do so. In addition to telling your story, you have an opportunity to learn about your elected officials in this process. When I sent my first email, to a Republican Senator, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a detailed 2-page letter in which he detailed what he had already been doing (ex. sponsoring bills, how he voted) and what he was currently doing. I appreciated having that level of insight that usually doesn’t show up in a news article or TV blurb.
No matter what your level of health is, you can be an activist. You may have the energy and capability to attend events and meetings in person, or you may just be able to make the occasional phone call or email. No matter what, you can take control and share your story. After all, if we don’t speak out for ourselves, how can we expect others to do so?
