The Consumer Advisory Council needs you

Do you have arthritis? Are you interested in arthritis research in Canada? Do you want a voice in research decisions? If you answered “yes” to all three questions, the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) of the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) is interested in you.

The CAC is looking for volunteer representatives from Northern Canada and the Atlantic Region And a Youth Representative or Parent of a child with JIA to join them in their work with CAN.

About the Consumer Advisory Council

The Council consists of a diverse group of people living with arthritis who are responsible for articulating the needs and concerns of Canadians with arthritis as they relate to CAN research initiatives, government policy and the public.

Council members participate on all Canadian Arthritis Network Committees and are full voting members on the Network's peer-review panels.

Membership Criteria includes

A strong interest in arthritis research;
Knowledge of a broad range of arthritis issues;
Experience in consumer-centered arthritis organizations;
The ability to articulate the needs and concerns of people with arthritis at all CAN meetings and activities;
A willingness to serve a minimum two-year volunteer commitment to the Council;
The desire to receive appropriate training in order to participate in CAN and CAC responsibilities;
Access to the internet and email;
The ability to travel and attend meetings or conferences (three per year).

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Consumer Advisory Council of the Canadian Arthritis Network or have any questions, please email Delia Cooper (delia_cooper@telus.net) and Linda Wilhelm (helm@nb.sympatico.ca), co-chairs of the Council, by January 31st, 2009.

We would appreciate it if you would include information about your personal and professional experience, your arthritis background, and any volunteer work that you have done in the area of arthritis, disabilities, research, advocacy or related issues. For more information on the Consumer Advisory Council, please visit our website.