"Find Your Passion and Go For It."
"Just because you have PD doesn’t mean it is the end of the world... I have never looked back."
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Advocacy
You may ask yourself “How I can make a difference in making more people aware of Parkinson disease?“ In reality, with Calgary alone being home to the largest concentration per capita of non-profits in North America, the competition to “raise the flag“ higher than others is challenging. With an aging population, the incidence of Parkinson disease 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 disease. In addition, The Parkinson Alberta Society is working with our national partner 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, PAS encourages anyone willing to establish a rapport and communicate with their Alberta Member of Parliament to contact PSC by sending a letter of interest to advocacy@parkinsonalberta.ca identifying your contact information, your province of residence and your federal riding.
The Alberta Parkinson disease community is rich with talented and passionate people wanting to make a difference. We need everyone involved—from people with Parkinson disease 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 disease, we can elevate the profile of Parkinson disease to begin to effect truly meaningful change for all….are you that person?
Help PAS and PSC build a National Network of Advocates!!