"One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something..."

-- Henry David Thoreau, poet, writer, philosopher

Volunteers are an integral part of the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA). With your help, we are able to set our goals higher each year in our quest for the cure for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and related diseases.

Organize a Fundraising Activity
Your support group, club, place of employment, or civic association can designate SAA to receive proceeds from its fundraising activities. The financial and supportive generosity of family, friends, and strangers may surprise you. Whether you end up with $50 or $5,000 in donations, it all makes a difference in reaching our goals, so remember to have fun in whatever fundraising avenue you choose!

Event ideas include (but are not limited to) a bake sale, movie night at your local theater (some theaters donate a percentage of ticket proceeds for large groups), a walk-a-thon in a park, and a barbecue or theme party in which you charge people to attend.

Others prefer competing in an individual event where they ask people within the community, local businesses or organizations to sponsor them. This may include anything from sponsorship in a sports tournament to completion of a personal goal (e.g. to quit smoking for a month).

Do You Have a Special Interest?

• Athlete (amateur or professional) with AS who would like to share any special accommodations that allow you to continue with your favorite sport in spite of AS.
  
• Artist (to help with SAA publications)
  
• Photographer (to help with SAA publications)
  
• Writer (non-professional or professional to tell us your story for the SAA web site)

Are You Employed in the Field or Have Expertise In…

• Education (to answer questions about how to help kids with spondylitis cope at school)
  
• Entertainment / Media contacts (to raise awareness)
  
• Printing (to offer services for SAA publications)
  
• Psychiatry (to answer Ask the Expert patient questions on the SAA web site)
  
• Psychology (to answer Ask the Expert patient questions on the SAA web site)

If you do not fall within any of these categories but would like to offer your expertise in another area, we want to hear from you! Please email SAA at info@spondylitis.org.

Can We Interview You for an Upcoming Story Idea?
We are always looking for people to participate in Spondylitis Plus (our magazine) articles. SAA conducts story interviews by phone or email. Participants may remain anonymous or provide their name in the article.

If you are interested in sharing your experiences, please email a description of your story idea or personal background to info@spondylitis.org.