#MEAction: "Let's start the values and policies process!"

From an #MEAction email:

A few months ago, #MEAction Executive Director Jennifer Brea released an open letter, outlining the importance of forming #MEAction's values and policies as a community.

#MEAction's community-based model utilizes the strengths of our staff to support, organize, and amplify the voices of thousands of volunteers, activists, people with ME, and allies around the world. As such, we've always been a big tent- many of our volunteers and activists hold differing viewpoints re: what tactics we should use, what policy outcomes we should fight for, and what values should guide us.

#MEAction has grown so much over the past three years, having ever greater impact. Now is the time to come together, discuss, debate, and make explicit our values and policies so that the hundreds of volunteers and activists of #MEAction can all work even better together.

Clarifying #MEAction's values and policies is critical for the outward-facing work. It's also critical for building a movement that is inclusive and representative of our community's diverse needs, perspectives, and experiences.
Start First Poll

1) Our first step is for you to take the survey above to tell us what topics you feel should be put on the agenda for community discussion. To begin fill out this open form in the button [link] above or click here.

2) Over the next several months, we will release op-eds written by a variety of voices on topics you want to explore. We will discuss through forums, social media, and Bluejeans (conference call) conversations.

3) Poll: In March of 2019, we will poll the community on key questions emerging from the discussions.

4) Adoption: In April, we'll publish the results of these polls alongside a final document, drafted by staff and our most engaged volunteers. That document will be voted on by the entire community.

Change can only come with your help and support. Help guide ME research, clinical care, and government action -- and fight alongside us for a better future for all people with ME. Start the process with us today!

Sincerely,

Jen, Laurie, Ben, Jaime, Adriane, Holly, Erin, Bri, Espe, and Hannah​

 

@JenB @JaimeS This has an extremely short deadline. I can barely take in the email by Dec. 7, let alone respond to a poll.

 

The questions are pretty basic and outlined around asking what you would like to be discussed -- open-ended, five or six questions. The entire process is going to be more extensive, over a greater period of time.

 

We've extended the survey to Monday by midnight PST, so if you haven't yet sent in your survey, you still have time!