Rotary has a structure that can be simply described as three levels: Club; District; and International. The MS Awareness project envisages the involvement of Rotary at all these levels. Rotary is structured in such a way that the things that interest all of these levels is basically the same, the difference is only one of scale.

We, as Rotarians, wish to help people with MS as best we can given the opportunities available to us. The effects and challenges that a person diagnosed with this disease can not be exaggerated and are difficult for even the most sympathetic person to imagine.

We want to help find a cure for this disease and then distribute that cure throughout the world. A lot is known about this degenerative nerve disorder but a lot remains a mystery. What causes it? Why are there so many different forms of MS, effecting each person differently? Finding a cure will not only be confined within the walls of a laboratory but will also be in the hands of the people who know and care for someone with MS.

Members of local clubs are actively involved in the search for a cure and also creating an infrastructure for people with other disabilities when they help someone with MS.

Local Clubs have helped people set up computers with Internet access so they can work from home.  Clubs have helped renovate homes to make them accessible to those who have become disabled.   Clubs have set up various fund-raising activities such as raffles and charity gala balls. Videos on MS awareness have been produced by clubs. It is worth remembering that there are Rotarians with MS and Rotarians who have friends and family with MS. They might like to be involved or encourage their clubs to be involved. Many Rotary Clubs already assist their local MS Societies but have not publicized their projects.

On a District level committees can be set up that have links with the MS Society within that District and can help conceive of projects that can be launched within that District. An example is the longitudinal study being seed funded by the RC of Gisborne in D9800 and Numerkah in D9790.

Internationally Rotary can facilitate a global audit. This will bring together the many different aspects of MS research.

There is opportunity for Rotary to become involved in the MS Awareness project at all of its levels of operation: locally, at District level and Internationally. 

 Step.1. Contact Us:

 To get involved please contact Martin Taurins

 Mail:                   M. Taurins

                           PO Box 36 Macedon  3440 Victoria Australia.

email:                 [email protected].

New Zealand:        ph / fax  64 -9- 302 2622

Australia:                ph / fax   61 -3 - 9645 6646

 http://www.vicnet.net.au/~rcgisborne

 Meetings:              

-         Monthly or as required in the Constance Duncan room at International House, 241 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne Australia.

-         Next meeting 7.00pm Monday 29th April 2002.

-         Agenda - as per previous meetings.  

 Step. 2. 
       Create Awareness
                   Help set up a Network of Rotary Clubs in Australia that have an interest to promote MS
                 Awareness and develop a link between Rotary and MS Society in or near your district.

 Step.3.   
               Take  Action  -Choose and implement a project to help people with MS. 

Step.4. 
      Take   Action  - Rotary Clubs Unite to help determine status of MS research.

 Step.5.  
               Take   Action  - Rotary Clubs Unite to help find a cure for MS research.