#MEAction knows COMMUNITY IS KEY! It is through community that we find strength and feel fully seen and heard by others who know our struggles. When challenges come our way, this community has shown us over and over again that we are stronger together.
“#MEAction’s community has made sense of this nonsense world of chronic illness. When you’re diagnosed with ME, no one tells you you’ll be grieving your own life while living it. It’s surreal.” -Ktgasemy
As we close out this year and enter into the New Year, we want to share ways to find community here at #MEAction:
Volunteer Working Groups
#MEAction features 5 volunteer working groups that are looking for more people to join their ranks! Check out our volunteer page for more information and next steps to get involved.
“While I am unable to attend every meeting or participate as much as I want to, #MEAction welcomes me every time I contribute. I’m so grateful to the community and work of this organization.” -JessK
State Chapters
We have 13 State Chapters across the US that are building a strong, national, distributed network of patient activists and allies to grow the movement for health equality. Get a list of these chapters here!
Support Groups
Coming together to find support amongst individuals with similar situations is invaluable. Make sure to check out this list of virtual support groups via Facebook here. Also, in coordination with these groups, there are also virtual support calls which can be found on our events calendar (some state chapters also have support calls.).
Artistic Elements
Connecting with people with similar artistic interests can be profound. #MEAction is proud to support two groups that allow people with all skill levels to join their writing or crafts groups. Learn more about the Pillow Writers Groups and Pillow Crafters Group.
“I’ve been in Pillow Writers for three years and it has had an immense impact on my life: for the better. The impact is from the pragmatic to the profound: I have learnt new ways of managing my illness and maintaining the best health possible; I have made valued friends; I’ve learnt about a world beyond these walls and I have learnt to enjoy my inner creativity. Pillow Writers is a treasure.” – Stoo Brown
Modified Movement Classes & Meditation Recordings
In partnership with Shannon from Nourish Therapeutic Yoga, #MEAction has been able to provide free modified movement and meditation classes. If you have not been able to join a class live, here are recordings for you to try.
We will continue to gather in the coming months for Artist Salons, Pillow Writer Salons, and a Crafters Showcase. And the Severe ME Artists Project will always be part of our programming.
We kicked off our End of Year Fundraiser declaring our Community Is Out of This World, that has never been truer. We will rally and fight when called upon and we will find support by turning towards each other.
In order to continue to build upon this amazing community’s foundation, we will need your financial support. We have a large amount of money to raise for our fundraiser, but with a donation from everyone on our list we can raise it. Give to this community today!