1 Flex Your MS Muscle Dear readers, A flexed muscle is a show of strength. Also, our muscles naturally flex when we are engaged in rigorous effort. So this year’s National MS Education and Awareness Month® theme – Flex Your MS Muscle – is an encouragement to show your strength on behalf of individuals with MS, by engaging in advocacy efforts. In this context, we define advocacy as taking part in efforts to create positive change, whether for yourself or others with MS. You may not feel you have the strength needed to bring about change. But keep in mind these three well-known truths: 1. Knowledge is power In order to be an effective advocate, you need knowledge. Learning all you can about the particular problem you are taking on will help you to feel strong and prepared. 2. Exercise builds muscle Just like physical exercise builds stronger muscles, you can build your strength as an advocate through practice and experience. 3. There is strength in numbers Some problems are bigger than we can handle on our own. But if you add your voice and your effort to those of other advocates, you can help bring about change. This booklet will provide knowledge you need as an advocate, exercises to help you build your skills, and advice and resources for taking part in group advocacy efforts. With these tools, you will be ready to Flex Your MS Muscle. Your partners in advocacy, The MS Focus Team