Six Ways You Can Make a Difference

MDA’s mission to empower people living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives is pursued through a variety of influential and meaningful endeavors. From accelerating research and advancing care to advocating support and providing opportunities for members of our community to connect, grow, and shine – there are a multitude of different ways that MDA programs make an impact. The programs that serve our community are made even stronger through the invaluable support from the members of our community.

Every act of service, every hour of volunteered time and effort, every single dollar raised at an event creates a ripple effect that significantly furthers progress and increases empowerment.

In honor of the upcoming National Make a Difference Day, here are six ways that you can make a difference and contribute to the mission by sharing your strengths, talents, time, and passion.

Volunteer at an in-person event

Whether it is volunteering to help at an MDA Gala or Golf Tournament, participating in a local Muscle Walk, or cheering for Team Momentum participants from the sidelines, every role is important. These events support MDA’s mission to further groundbreaking research for treatment of neuromuscular disease while also offering a valuable sense of community. MDA events and fundraisers are an opportunity to unite, connect, and experience the power of community. Check out upcoming in-person events in need of volunteers here.

Connect with your local fire fighters

Sometimes even a simple “thank you” can make a big impact. Since 1954, fire fighters across America have been collecting critical funds, one dollar at a time, to support MDA’s mission through the Fill the Boot program. Their incredible commitment and tireless efforts play an intrinsic role in raising awareness and funds to support the neuromuscular disease community. Whether it’s stopping by a Fill the Boot or finding another way to connect, there are lots of ways to get to know the fire fighters who support MDA. Want to connect with your local fire department? Let us help make the connection!

Spread the word about MDA Summer Camp Volunteers

MDA Summer Camp creates a world of possibilities for youth living with neuromuscular disease. Campers have the opportunity to discover new interests, gain self- confidence, make lifelong friendships, and experience the independence and potential of being away from home – all while having fun without barriers. It’s no secret that MDA Summer Camp would not be possible if not for the support and dedication of MDA Summer Camp volunteer counselors. And while you might not have the bandwidth to spend a week serving as a volunteer counselor, spreading the word about MDA Summer Camp and sharing the volunteer opportunity (and many benefits) with your family, friend group, and community can make a big difference. Find more information on volunteering for MDA Summer Camp here and share it with others. Whether through conversation, texts, emails, or social media posts, spreading the word about MDA Summer Camp is a small way to make a big difference.

Share your career expertise with MDA’s Mentorship Program

For young adults living with neuromuscular disease, the MDA Career Mentorship Program opens doors to new opportunities, confidence, and future pathways by providing personalized mentoring, career-readiness tools, community, and connection. Designed to support, prepare, and empower youth in our community as they discover and plan their future career aspirations, the virtual program wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of volunteer mentors from diverse career fields. Mentors connect with participants over a 4 week timeframe, sharing their insights, career advice and experience, encouragement, and field specific skills. Learn more about becoming a mentor here.

Attend, volunteer, or participate in a local MDA Muscle Walk

MDA Muscle Walks are one of the many impactful fundraising event series that raise critical funds while creating an incredible day of community connection and empowerment. It’s a fantastic, accessible event for people living with neuromuscular disease (and their friends and families) to come together for a cause. Whether you simply choose to attend and cheer for a Muscle Walk Team, offering support and camaraderie from the sidelines as you enjoy the community activities, or start your own Muscle Walk Team or sign up to be a volunteer at your local event, you will be an important part of a day that truly makes a difference. While events for this year are wrapping up, 2027 Muscle Walk dates will be added here in January.

Take action with the MDA Advocacy Team

MDA volunteer advocates make a tangible impact on the policies that directly affect the lives of people living with neuromuscular diseases. The MDA Advocacy Team continues to protect and improve the community’s access to vital care, works to accelerate therapeutic development, and supports policies that ensure those with disabilities have access to education, accessible travel, voting rights, home and community based services, and more. From writing to your legislative representatives to attending MDA on the Hill in person at the U.S. Capitol, there are a wide variety of ways that you can make an impact. MDA’s Advocacy Action Center shares updates on current issues and ways that you can help advocate for public policies that support people with disabilities. Check out issues that you can take action on here and learn more ways to get involved with MDA advocacy efforts here.

Whether it is with fifteen minutes, one day, one week, or one month of your time – you can make a difference!