Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Texas February 6, 07

[Pennie 26]

This is rather long but very important, print it out if you wish.

 

Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Texas February 6, 2007 Greetings! Governor Rick Perry has declared Tuesday, February 6 Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Texas. The Alzheimer's Association Capital of Texas Chapter wants to take full advantage of this opportunity to advocate for our cause. We want to make our presence known at the Capitol on this day. We hope to have 200 advocates at the Capitol on the morning of February 6 to support our cause and create Alzheimer's awareness. The more visible our presence, the more attention we can draw. We need your help recruiting advocates! Alzheimer's Advocacy Be an advocate - Recruit an advocate We will all gather at the Capitol Tuesday, February 6 in the morning, 9:30am - 11:30am. We will then blanket the offices distributing literature, making our presence known, and most importantly creating Alzheimer's awareness. We will hold an advocate training as the Alzheimer's Awareness Day nears which will provide disease specific information, literature to distribute at the Capitol, and answer any questions about what to do and say when you represent those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Another way you can show your support is by recruiting others to be advocates. Please share this information with anyone you know who has been touched by Alzheimer's. It is only with your help and involvement that this day can be a success!

Youth Advocates Alzheimer's doesn't only affect the elderly We all know that young people are impacted by Alzheimer's disease as well. Maybe they have a grandparent with AD, an aunt or uncle, a parent with early onset, or a family friend. Whatever the case, we want to get adolescents involved in the advocacy effort on February 6 to create awareness of this. If you know anyone high school aged or older that may be interested in this effort please share this information with them. Good resources are

* Family members of those with Alzheimer's disease. So often the young people in their lives feel like they can do nothing, this is a chance for them to help and make a difference.

* Youth groups. Reach out to adolescents at you church or in your religious community.

* Schools. If you know any students who's schools may be interested in participating, let me know or pass this information along.

* Colleges. There are many groups on college campuses that focus on community involvement.

* Be Creative. Think outside the box. The more young people present the more attention drawn to our cause!

* Volunteer groups. We will be happy to authorize community service hours for participation in this worthy event

* Benefits. It is a chance for young adults to learn about the legislative process in Texas. This is an opportunity for them to be involved in a cause benefiting those who often cannot advocate for themselves. If a school gets involved, we will send a trained member of our staff to educate students on Alzheimer's disease as well as teach them how to be advocates. If a large group from a school attends, we will be happy to work with the school to arrange for paid transportation. Depending on interest from other youth outside of schools, we will arrange an advocacy training for them as well. Everyone who wants to act as an advocate will have the opportunity to be educated prior to February 6. The time commitment for these young people will be 9:30am-11:30 am on Tuesday, February 6 with boxed lunches provided for all involved.

Contact Us If you or anyone you know are interested in making Alzheimer's Awareness Day a success, please >contact Lindsey Floeck, Lindsey.Floeck@alz.org (mailto:lindsey.floeck@alz.org), (512)241-0420x10 as soon as possible. She will be happy to answer any of your questions or follow up with any leads you may have. Thank you so much for your time and participation. We look forward to a large show of support from you >and others in the community.

Alzheimer's Association | 3429 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Austin TX 78731-1626