Start a Chapter | Neuroimmune Foundation

Start a local chapter!

Our chapters serve as a local touchpoint for families grappling with neuroimmune disorders including all types of encephalitis, PANS, and PANDAS. We are always accepting applications for new chapter leaders worldwide!

Please first read over our 10 Principles and then submit your application below.
Chapter leaders are required to host at least one meeting per quarter and commit to leading a chapter for twelve months. Willingness to fundraise is appreciated but not required.
Please be as honest as possible in your application.
Please note that our chapters are currently on hold. Please sign up for our newsletter as we will update you when they resume.

Our chapters adhere to the following 10 principles:

We provide peer-to-peer support but never provide medical advice. We do not share confidential stories with others.
We share from our personal experiences with acknowledgement that no one treatment works for everyone.
We acknowledge that PANS, PANDAS, and neuroimmune disorders have a very wide spectrum of severity. Treatment failure does not mean an individual does not have PANS, PANDAS, or a neuroimmune disorder.
Families of individuals without abrupt onsets are welcome in our groups and will not be made to feel less than given there is no scientific evidence that sub-acute onsets represent a completely different medical disorder.
PANS has no age restrictions. Adults with neuroimmune conditions and parents of adults with neuroimmune conditions are welcome in our groups.
Individuals with autism can have PANS or another neuroimmune disorder just like any neurotypical person. Families of individuals with autism and a neuroimmune disorder are welcome in our groups.
We do not tolerate discrimination or personal attacks.
We whole-heartedly welcome new families and caregivers into the fold.
We accept that the research on PANS, PANDAS, and neuroimmune disorders is in its infancy and more questions exist than answers.
Above all, chapters exist so that families and caretakers have a safe space to share their experiences and embrace each other in an encouraging, warm, and non-judgmental atmosphere.

Chapter Leader Application

Application for Volunteer Leadership Role in _____________ (list below your region, state, or country which will be referred to as the “area”) with Neuroimmune Foundation*
Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Telephone*
Reference 1 (non-family, name and number):*
Reference 2 (non-family, name and number):*
I have read over the 10 Principles and I agree/do not agree with them.*
Please describe why you have an interest in a volunteer leadership role and if you’ve been involved in a leadership or advocacy role in the past:*
I understand I *may not* invite any speakers to Neuroimmune Foundation chapter meetings that I host without *written* approval from Neuroimmune Foundation's Board of Directors.*
I agree/do not agree that I am able to host quarterly support group meetings at a coffee shop or public place if selected to lead a chapter.*
I agree/do not agree that if selected to lead a chapter, I will not attempt to sell any product to anyone who comes into contact with me as a result of my position as a volunteer for Neuroimmune Foundation.*
I agree/do not agree (choose one) that if selected to lead a chapter I will provide peer-to-peer support but never medical advice.*
I agree/do not agree with this statement: Children with autism can have PANS or another neuroimmune disorder just like any neurotypical child.*
I agree/do not agree with this statement: I am in agreement with Neuroimmune's messaging related to PANS/PANDAS and will share Neuroimmune Foundation resources with our local support group.*
I agree/do not agree with this statement: PANS has no age restrictions. There is no evidence to suggest most or all children will outgrow PANS or that it will not persist into adulthood.*
If selected to lead a chapter, I will provide the time, date, and location for quarterly meetups for the next year in a timely fashion without the Chapters Coordinator needing to follow up with me repeatedly.*
I am/am not interested in helping Neuroimmune Foundation with fundraisers?*
I am aware of the following similar advocacy work already taking place in my Area (please describe and share how it is or is not meeting the needs of your community in your opinion):*
Signature*
Date*
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