They are volunteers who are passionate influencers, unstoppable advocates and hard-nosed truth–tellers—key stakeholders committed to broadening impact and spreading the word about living well with a diagnosis. Their matchless insights are often living proof of what works to help PMD Alliance educate, inform, connect and inspire those seeking knowledge and resources to improve their quality of life.
PMD Alliance Ambassadors
No Stopping Us!
“We are all in this together; the struggles of others are not theirs solely to bear.”
What do Ambassadors do?
Ambassadors draw on their unique gifts and talents to raise awareness, share resources, tips and tricks throughout local, regional, national and global communities. By engaging people in our programs and resources, they help communicate the PMD Alliance philosophy:
- People are not defined by their diagnosis.
- Learning is a team sport.
- Enthusiasm is our driving force.
Benefits of Being an Ambassador
Here are just a few benefits of volunteering:
- Active role in shaping the future of PMD Alliance.
- Early and exclusive access to new resources & content.
- Recognition as an Ambassador on our website.
- Reciprocal promotion for your community on our website, app and social channels.
Become an Ambassador
Our Ambassadors are a handpicked crew of volunteers who demonstrate supportive energy, shared values and active engagement. Interested in being one?
Step 1:
Take a moment to fill out this form and we’ll be in touch soon!
Step 2:
We will schedule a call with a PMD Alliance team member. This step allows us to see if you align with the mission and vision of PMD Alliance, and if we align with how you want to contribute to your community.
Step 3:
If our expectations align, you will be on-boarded as a PMD Alliance Ambassador!
Step 4:
To maintain your Ambassador status, you must attend at least 4 bi-monthly online meetings a year.
12 Ways to Be Involved
You must be involved in 3 ways to qualify as an Ambassador.
Support Group Leader
The benefits of becoming a support group leader (SGL) are endless, and PMD Alliance wants to recognize your dedication and passion to our community by publicly displaying a “Verified SGL Shield” next to your information on our website.
How do you earn this “Verified SGL Shield”?
- Attend a PMD Alliance In Sync SGL Fundamentals Training
- Attend 4 of the monthly In Sync Roundtables in a 6-month period
- Start or continue facilitating a support group for your community for the past 6 months.
- Meet with a PMD Alliance Staff Member
Community Advocate
You advocate on behalf of your community to improve access to care. Represent PMD Alliance at in-person events in your community.
Influencer
You help spread the word about PMD Alliance on social media and shout about all the cool stuff that we have going on.
Blogger
You contribute to our website with an article at least twice a year.
Speaker
Speak at an in–person or online PMD Alliance sponsored event.
Fundraiser
Another way to be an important part of the PD community is organizing a fundraiser event to support the programs and resources PMD Alliance has to offer.
Researcher
Explore discussion topics for support group meetings. Contact wellness classes and support groups in your community to confirm their active status and report to us to update our database.
Trainer
Be the expert and teach new support group leaders how to facilitate and lead their members after you attend our Train-the-Trainer SGL workshop.
Event Organizer
Join PMD Alliance during the planning and/or execution of one of PMD Alliance in-person event:
- Renew! Retreat® – One-of-a-kind workshop designed with two simultaneous tracks: one for care partners and adult children AND one for those with movement disorders.
- Get Out!™ – These events are social gatherings with educational themes to allow people to spend time with new and existing friends. The core of this program is the research that social health is essential for brain health and longevity.
- In Sync® Regional Workshop – Seize opportunities to learn from other trailblazers and expand your regional network of peers.
Wellness Instructor
Promote wellbeing by teaching at least one weekly PD specific wellness class in your community that has been ongoing for at least the past six months.
Educator
Healthcare professionals and people with lived experience can help us raise awareness among students, community groups, and others, by teaching about brain health and movement disorders.
Creator
Share with us at least two pieces of your artistic talent to showcase virtually or at in-person events.
Meet Our Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are happy to connect. Click on their name to send them an email. Each Ambassador brings their own perspective to their corner of the country, but all share the same defining vision: Proving the doubters and the naysayers wrong. They can and do raise their hands to set up and make an impact in lives. Together, let’s raise a movement that builds community.
New Port Richey, FL
“Whatever happens at all happens as it should; you will find this true, if you watch narrowly.”
Marcus Aurelius
Oro Valley, AZ
“We may not be able to change the stressors in our lives, but we can change our reaction or response to them.”
Nacogdoches, (E.) TX
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Las Cruces, NM
“I have always welcomed challenges in my life, and while I didn’t choose the challenge of living with Parkinson’s – and it may just be my most difficult challenge – I’m committing to meet it head on with courage and a positive attitude.”
Tucson, AZ
“Learn from yesterday -live for today and hope for tomorrow.”
Albert Einstein
Sun City, AZ
“Believe that you are unique and never underestimate yourself – stay passionate, stay involved, and stay in control.”
Tucson, AZ
“I continue to keep a gratitude journal. It was given to us by a drug rep. Three years ago and is nearly full now.”
Tampa (Odessa), FL
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
Helen Keller
San Diego, CA
“At any given moment, you have the power to say ‘this is not how my story will end’.”
Unknown
Mesa, AZ
“When you’ve exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.”
Thomas Edison
Pasadena, CA
“Resilience is continuing to thrive and grow in the face of life’s challenges.”
Albuquerque, NM
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip Toe if you must, but take a step.”
Naeem Callaway
Rio Rancho, NM
“One day after my brain surgery and after so much painful nights and days I came up with a new look on life. “ Every day is a new day” that is my new look on life with PD.”
San Diego, CA
“Being part of a community provides one of the greatest opportunities for living life to the fullest.”
Isleboro, ME
“My brother-in-law Richard Gabriel’s life ended 9/11 at the Pentagon. His loss is underwriting my 22 trips across the country to the Nilotinib Clinical Trial at Georgetown University. He joins me and my sister in the fight for an answer to PD.”
Albuquerque, NM
“We may not be able to change the stressors in our lives, but we can change our reaction or response to them.”
Oro Valley, AZ
“Never let Parkinson’s Disease define you. Let you define you, PD is just a small element of my entirety.”
And “Success is usually failure, plus a little more effort.”
Mission Viejo, CA
“I have met so many courageous and inspiring people through Parkinson’s – some with PD, some who are care partners, and some who just care. They have all made a difference to me.”
Douglas, AZ
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, Always.”
Anonymous
Watauga, TX (Ft Worth)
“Parkinson’s has given my life a new mission to help ensure each person with Parkinson’s has the best of caregivers. Teaching resilience over strength can be a game changer.”
Rio Rancho, NM
“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.”
Coach John Wooden
Las Cruces, NM
“Courage is not having the strength to go on. It is going on when you don’t have strength.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Lake Forest, CA
“Parkinson’s is a journey that you don’t have to do alone. We are better when we fight together.”
Santa Fe, NM
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Santa Fe, NM
“Every day is a gift that includes both challenges and successes.
Celebrate the successes!
Reinforcing the fact that we can be successful can seem to make today’s challenges look less daunting.”
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