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MS READaTHON
 READaTHON - probably not a word you've heard in a long time! Believe it or not, the MS READaTHON is going into its 38th year and we're hoping that our volunteers can help us spread the word.
The MS READaTHON offers children in elementary and middle school an opportunity to help people living with MS simply by reading books and getting sponsors.
MS READaTHON consists of an assembly about multiple sclerosis and disability awareness and sensitivity. The program encourages students to get sponsors and then read as many books as they can in 30 days. In return for their efforts, students can choose from a range of prizes. Based on the total amount of dollars raised by the students within the school, the school can choose from prizes as well.
Top fundraising students and a parent will be invited to a Philadelphia Phillies game and enjoy a special party sponsored by the National MS Society. Top teacher MS READaTHON coordinators will also be invited.
If you know of a school that would like to participate or if you would like to get involved in MS READaTHON by giving school presentations about MS, contact Kristin Marnie.
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Professional development opportunities
One of our goals for 2013 is to do a better job of providing professional development opportunities for our lead volunteers as well as our interns. We are hoping to find training classes on topics such as customer service, networking, teamwork, and creating and delivering presentations. If you know of any available trainings on these or related topics (preferably free), or if you are an expert in any of these topics and would like to donate your time as a presenter, please contact Joy McManus.
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2013 Employment Teleconference Series
We are excited to offer a six part employment teleconference series from January 16 to March 27, 2013. Participate in just the calls that interest you or all six! On January 16, the topic is "Should I Work From Home or Start My Own Business?". On January 30 we'll discuss "Is it Time? Deciding to Change Careers or Stop Working". Click here for more details and to register. Each teleconference will be available via a toll-free number. Please note that you will need to register individually for each call you plan to attend.
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Happy holidays and happy new year!
On behalf of the entire Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, we would like to wish you and your families happy holidays and happy new year!
We've had an exciting and successful 2012 and as we have said before, we simply couldn't do the work we do without volunteers. We are looking forward to an exciting year in 2013: we plan to grow some of our existing programs and events and will be launching some new ones too! And of course we hope to recruit even more dedicated volunteers like you. Stay tuned every month as we continue working to bring you updates, accomplishments, words of appreciation and volunteer opportunities in this newsletter, our Volunteer Voice. We're always open to suggestions and feedback. Thank you again for your service and commitment.
Warm regards,
Joy and Kristin
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December volunteers - thank you
We would like to thank all of the volunteers who assisted at our December events. A big thank you to the volunteers who came out to our educational program Is Nine Enough? A summary of current and upcoming MS treatments; our 2012 Annual Meeting featuring David Osmond; 
our City to Shore Awards Party, where our top fundraisers and lead volunteers were recognized; our Shop to Beat MS event to benefit Walk MS 2013; 
and our MS Family Fun Day at Color Me Mine. 
We would also like to thank the volunteers that came out to our warehouse to help us inventory and get ready for a busy 2013. Finally, thank you to the volunteers who came to our office to help us mail out City to Shore fundraising prizes and prepare for our interns who will be starting in January. We had a busy December and expect to have a busy January - every little bit helps!
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Volunteer biographers needed
Do you like talking to people? Do you like to collect stories and write? Are you organized and do people like sharing their stories with you? Would you like to use these skills to build awareness of multiple sclerosis? We are looking for 2-3 volunteer biographers. We have about 30 people living with MS who have agreed to be interviewed. We need volunteers to conduct these interviews and compile and craft their stories so we can use them in media campaigns, outreach to public officials and grassroots campaigns to build awareness and get more people involved in the movement to end MS NOW. Interested? Contact Joy McManus.
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2013 Public Policy Essay Contest - Win an invitation to the Public Policy Conference in DC
You or someone you know could be selected to join hundreds of volunteer activists and staff from across the country for the Society's Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC from March 4 to 6, 2013. Learn about federal legislative priorities and government relations, and meet other activists from across the country. Be there on March 6 when we storm the hill, taking our message to our federal elected officials. Click here for more information and essay guidelines. The deadline to submit your essay is January 7. 
Click on the links to learn more about our advocacy work in Pa. and NJ.
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