Volunteers

ME Free For All.org needs a continuous flow of volunteers to help run www.mefreeforall.org, the interactive website and heart of the organisation that brings together M.E. sufferers, their carers, doctors and researchers from all over the world.

Who?

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. Some have M.E. themselves, in which case we understand that the unpredictability of their illness affects their ability to work regularly but we welcome their efforts when they can; some have family or friends who are sufferers; some are fit and healthy people with time to spare for a good cause; some are retired, some between jobs; some have special skills they know will be of great value to us. Everyone is an individual and equally welcome. Our oldest volunteer, so far, has been 82 and our youngest 14 and we think we can beat the record at both ends.

We can't pay our volunteers but, apart from our gratitude, we may be able to provide you with a reference, if you have worked well for us, that will help you if you are seeking a salaried job.

Where?

If you live within walking distance, or easy reach, of Downend in Bristol, we shall have the advantage of possible face-to-face meetings at our Editorial Office but, whether you just live round the corner, or on the other side of the world, most of the work is done on your computer, in your home, at times to suit you. Please note that, if you don't have a computer of your own, we are trying to get a scheme for donation of second-hand computers and we may also be able to offer some free training.

What?

Personal Assistants

To help with the day-to-day running of the website and also delegate particular tasks to appropriate specialist or willing volunteers. These posts are especially (but not exclusively) suitable for people who live close to Downend.We need all kinds of people who already possess a variety of skills but we also need people with no particular qualifications, apart from a willingness to learn, who have a few hours to spare.

Office Administrators

May appeal to people who have traditional office experience, are good at filing and keeping records up to date. No computer experience is required but help may be given if some volunteers wish to learn to use a computer and access the Internet. We do also welcome applications from people who already have basic computer skills, such as Word and who can send e-mails and surf the Net.

Readers

We need people to keep us up to date with reading about M.E. in the general press, whether paper copy or online, in specialist publications and from other M.E. groups online. These volunteers will complement and liaise with our "Newshounds" and "Press Pack". We are equally keen to hear from anyone who already does any of these as part of their daily routine as from those who might like to add it.

Sub Editors & Project Leaders

Applications are invited from anyone wishing to take responsibility for a particular part of the website. This may also include appointing their own team members to work with. And we welcome new categories, not yet listed, volunteers may wish to suggest.

Website Updating

There that need updating regularly because of changes of detail like news or changes of names & contact details, as well as new content from contributors to add. Training will be given in exactly what needs doing but only basic computer skills and the gift of time are required to do this job. It would be like manna from Heaven if we could find a professional website worker with a knowledge of TYPO3.

Newshounds

Newshounds are volunteers who a join a list of people who tell us about any ME related articles or letters which appear in the newspapers, magazines, or periodicals that they regularly take.

Press Pack

The Press Pack are the volunteers who say will they write a repsonse to any ME related articles or letters when they are feeling up to it.

We can never have too many Newshounds or Press Pack to cover the times when people fall prey to this unpredictable illness and are unable to reply. If you wish to join either or both please an email to info(at)mefreeforall.org with Newshoudns and/or Press Pack in the subejct line.

Forums

Several administrators are required if we are to run forums of the quality envisaged by ME Free For All. Apllications are invited from all people, irrespective of geographical location or previous experience.

Social & Leisure pages

Many people with M.E. and others may eventually find their way to the more academic pages of the website, via the social & leisure pages. We would like to appoint someone in overall charge of these pages, perhaps with some assistants and have a Sub Editor for each section. Again, we welcome any new ideas and categories not listed.

To apply for any of these posts, or make any related suggestions, please send a e-mail to drjohngreensmith(at)mefreeforall.org with "Volunteer" in the subject line and tell us what you have to offer.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.