Volunteer - Dysphonia International

So many who have a voice disorder describe themselves as shying away from the spotlight and public events. We think differently. There is no better person to represent someone with a voice disorder, than you. YOU ARE THE EXPERT! We encourage advocacy because it is healing, it is powerful, and it helps others.

Advocating for those with voice issues is the highest form of acceptance.

There are so many ways that you can advocate and we included some of the more popular, but if you have an idea, let us know. All of the photos featured on this page are real people who moved beyond the sound of their voice to become engaged with this unique community. And remember, you are not alone when you decide to volunteer, we are here to support you.

SHARE INFORMATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Next time you visit your doctor, bring along information from Dysphonia International to share with then to help ensure they are familiar with voice disorders. If you’re seeing your SLP or ENT, check to see if they are listed on the Healthcare Referral, and if not, ask them to register so others can find experts in voice.

RAISE AWARENESS ON WORLD VOICE DAY

World Voice Day is celebrated every April 16th with the main goal of increasing public awareness throughout the world of the importance of the voice and the impact of voice problems. You can help raise awareness by sharing your story and educating people about your journey with a vocie disorder.

BE PART OF THE ANNUAL WALK FOR TALK

The annual Walk for Talk is held in October and you can participate no matter where you live, everyone is welcome! Invite your family and friends (and even your dog) to be part of it. This event helps us to expand awareness and raise funds to support research. Each step gets us closer to a cure!

BE A LOCAL AREA CONTACT LEADER

Area Contact Leaders are a vital part of our support network to ensure people do not feel alone. As a Local Area Leader, you may be the first person someone newly diagnosed connects with by email. Area Contact Leaders provide one-on-one support and helps people navigate the first steps of undersanding and acceptance.

JOIN A LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP

With more than 40 local support groups are operating, along with virtual support meetings, we know you will be able to connect with others! Meetings provide a safe place where someone with a voice disorder find camaraderie, friendship, and hope! By becoming more involved you can create a local community to help navigate living with a voice disorder.

SHARE YOUR SKILLS

Know all the in's and out's of Facebook or Instragram? Speak in #hashtags? Enjoy video editing? Passionate about graphic design? Help us plan campaigns especially around World Voice Day and Walk for Talk. The options for skilled volunteers are limitless so let us know what you enjoy doing and see if we can find connection

EDUCATE STUDENTS

Help us educate the next generation of speech language pathologists by being a guest speaker at a local university. Your lived experiences puts a voice to these disorders and could help benefit those who are yet to be diagnosed. You're involvement teaches the SLP about the disorder early in their care and how they can best help patients once they are practicing.

ADVOCATE ON CAPITOL HILL

We are a proud member of the Dystonia Advocacy Network (DAN), that brings together dystonia-related patient groups to speak out with a single, powerful voice on legislative and public policy issues and funding that impact people with dystonia. Participantion throughout the year includes emails, virtul and in-person visits to your representatives. Your voice can be heard!

ATTEND MEDICAL CONVENTIONS

Exhibiting at medical conventions throughout the year helps to connect healthcare care professionals with the organization. . When you volunteer at the booth, you can education attendees about your voice disorder, share resources available from the organization, and encouraging them to sign up for the Healthcare Referral Directory.