Advocacy
You may ask yourself “How I can make a difference in making more people aware of Parkinson’s
Disease?“ In reality, with Calgary alone being home to 2,600 charities, the competition
to “raise the flag“ higher than others is challenging. With an aging population,
the incidence of Parkinson’s will only grow in huge numbers over the next 20 years.
We have a story to tell, that is for sure.
The National Advocacy Committee at Parkinson Society Canada, is working very hard to ensure
that our federal politicians and decision makers are sensitized to the many issues surrounding Parkinson’s
Disease. In addition, The Parkinson Society of Southern Alberta is working with Parkinson’s
Society Canada to develop a national network of advocates, volunteers willing to communicate with all
levels of government about issues related to Parkinson’s disease. This network will link individuals in
every federal riding across Canada, and will serve as an effective grassroots, constituent-based conduit
of information to each of the 308 Members of parliament and their staff.
One can imagine what might be possible if every member of parliament understood the complexities facing
Canadians with Parkinson’s and their families. All of this is possible, but we must present a compelling
case and communicate to them exactly how they can help.
Parkinson Society Canada has an objective to identify at least one person in each federal riding willing
to be the “local Parkinson’s advocate”. For this role, PSSA encourages anyone willing to
establish a rapport and communicate with their Southern Alberta Member of Parliament to contact PSC by sending a
letter of interest to advocacy@parkinson.ca
identifying your contact information, your province of residence and your federal riding.
The Southern Alberta Parkinson’s community is rich with talented and passionate people wanting to
make a difference. We need everyone involved—from people with Parkinson’s to caregivers to
friends and family members and also medical professionals, researchers, therapists and support workers.
By working together to “raise the flag“ for Parkinson’s , we can elevate the profile of
Parkinson’s disease to begin to effect truly meaningful change for all….are you that person?
Help PSSA and PSC build a National Network of Advocates!!