We want to ensure that we’re providing the best possible support for people living with MS.
Our MS community is hugely diverse. Together we campaign for change, provide support and information, and drive forward progress in research. Our ultimate goal is to stop MS.
And to do this we want to transform our membership to be as inclusive and relevant to as many people in the MS community as possible.
Membership
As you’ll know we’re a membership organisation. Our members pay £5 a year and help shape what we do and how we’re run. Our membership fees go to our local groups, and members receive MS Matters and their local group newsletter.
Why might we change our membership model?
A lot’s changed since the MS Society was founded – we’re over 60 years old. Being a member of an organisation used to be the way to belong to a community, but that’s no longer the case. Today, people connect with us and support us in lots of different ways - through our website, social media, events, services and much more. We know that, sometimes, non-members who support us can feel excluded, or worse, are excluded – whether due to the cost or process of joining as a member. We want to ensure that we’re available for all, relevant and modern, and enabling people to support those living with MS in lots of different ways.
What will happen next?
Members are being asked to vote on a resolution that will give us permission to explore potential options of a new model and this will be discussed at our AGM on 22 September.
If passed, the review will take in to consideration how we protect the income of our local groups.
If you’re a member you should have recently received your copy of MS Matters, where you can read more about this and how moving away from a membership model could make a positive difference for our community. If you’re eligible to vote at the AGM, you’ll have received an AGM booklet along with your copy of MS Matters.
If you want to come to the AGM you’re very welcome to do so. The AGM booklet also explains how to vote in this resolution if you can’t attend.
Want more information?
If you have any questions or would like more information about this please contact [email protected]
