Grassroots Network

The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) is a grassroots advocacy organization for the Parkinson’s disease community.  There is no PAN without grassroots advocates around the country.  There are no grassroots advocates without local communities of people living with Parkinson’s disease, working together to affect change.

PAN advocates work in their states and local communities every day.  Attending support groups, speaking at schools, colleges, and universities, and contacting their Members of Congress are but a few of their actions in support of the entire community.  PAN has State and Congressional Coordinators in over 40 states working to lead local advocates.  The Coordinators, all volunteers working for a cure on their own time, work closely with their individual Members of Congress and spread the message of Parkinson’s disease issues to their local communities.  Congressional Coordinators work in their individual Congressional Districts, while State Coordinators work state-wide to facilitate the advocacy network in the entire state.  These advocates work tirelessly, giving feedback and information to PAN staff in Washington, DC, and working to ensure a seamless message across the nation.

Through various committees of volunteer Coordinators (Policy, Communications, Development, and Grassroots), PAN staff works with our network to develop policies that will support the Parkinson’s community through increased federal resources.  The Policy Committee meets to work through PAN’s legislative priorities, giving valuable feedback on issues affecting people living with Parkinson’s disease.  The Policy Committee helps develop PAN’s legislative priorities and works with staff to implement them throughout the year.  The Communications Committee meets to help focus PAN’s message and how to spread information to our audiences in the best way possible.  From the Web site to Forum sessions to letters to the editor, this committee works with staff to push PAN’s message and give feedback on numerous outreach ideas.  The Development Committee works with staff to sustain and develop ideas for fundraising.  This new committee helps to work for a solid financial foundation for PAN.  The Grassroots Committee works with PAN staff to coordinate grassroots activities and give feedback on many issues affecting PAN Coordinators and grassroots advocates.  Meeting to help with the Forum, Coordinator policies, and different activities to stimulate grassroots activity, this committee works tirelessly to keep the grassroots engaged.  All Coordinator committees work to engage their audiences and improve the quality of work at PAN.  Many policies, materials, and ideas are generated at this level, and they remain an integral part of the PAN structure.

The true power of PAN comes through the grassroots network of advocates.  That voice is amplified with every phone call, e-mail, letter, or personal meeting that members of the Parkinson’s disease community have with their Members of Congress.  As constituents of Members of Congress, your voice is heard loud and clear on issues affecting the Parkinson’s disease community.  Working with advocates from coast to coast, that voice is amplified as thousands of advocates join to support the Parkinson’s community.