How to Become a Narcolepsy Advocate? Apply Today for Rising Voices of Narcolepsy – Deadline Approaching

By julie | February 15, 2017 |

We all have a story to tell. Let’s get busy telling yours!

I’m so excited to share the news that Project Sleep is now accepting applications for the Rising Voices of Narcolepsy leadership training program. However, the application deadline is quickly approaching in 9 days on February 24^th, 2017 at 5:00pm PST, so please view summer 2017 training schedule and start your application today!

“How do I get started as a narcolepsy advocate?”

Rising Voices of Narcolepsy is my response to the many amazing people with narcolepsy who have asked me this question.

I believe people remember stories and faces, over facts and stats, which is why, eight years ago, I overcame my fear of being laughed at and started raising my voice for narcolepsy. I had no clue what I was doing and thought narcolepsy awareness was perhaps THE oddest “life mission” to take on. But I did it anyway, learned through trial and error, and never looked back.

Julie & Rebecca preparing Rising Voices of Narcolepsy

Two years ago, I met a genius healthcare communicator, Rebecca Fuoco, MPH, and together we began dreaming up a narcolepsy leadership training program. It would use evidence-based best practices in communications, but also be fun and inspiring. Most of all, we would not regurgitate tired old facts. We would create living, breathing storytellers and leaders.

Today, as Rising Voices of Narcolepsy is now open for applications, I couldn’t be more proud and excited for this dream to become a reality at this summer’s inaugural training sessions. This is the culmination of years of work, countless tears and personal failures, and life-changing moments of triumph.

So thank you for trusting and supporting me as a voice for narcolepsy. Now, the world needs your story. Will you trust me to help you open people’s hearts and minds to narcolepsy? I hope so.

What is Rising Voices of Narcolepsy?

This is a leadership training program to help people with narcolepsy effectively share their stories through public speaking or writing with local communities, healthcare providers, news outlets, blogs, and beyond. Through Rising Voices of Narcolepsy, Project Sleep will combine the power of authentic real-life stories with expert communication strategies to raise awareness and reduce stigmas for all those facing narcolepsy.

Eligibility

To be considered for the program, applicants must be age 18 or older and diagnosed with narcolepsy. We will evaluate qualified applicants based on enthusiasm and capability and aim to have a diverse set of participants that represents a wide range of demographics and backgrounds.

Schedule

The first set of training sessions will take place during summer of 2017. Applicants may choose one of the following options:

Speaking Session 1: an in-person workshop focused on public speaking in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, May 27^th 2017 from 10:00am to 5:00pm with breaks. You will also be required to complete 5-6 hours of pre-workshop homework. NOTE: You will be responsible for their own travel costs.
Speaking Session 2: a three-week online course focused on public speaking that will run from June 12^th to June 30^th 2017. This training will take about 4-5 hours each week on your own schedule to complete (expect a total of 12-15 hours).
Writing Session 1: a three-week online course focused on writing that will run from July 10^th to July 28^th 2017. This training will take about 4-5 hours each week on your own schedule to complete (expect a total of 12-15 hours).
Writing Session 2: a three-week online course focused on writing that will run from July 31^st to August 18^th 2017. This training will take about 4-5 hours each week on your own schedule to complete (expect a total of 12-15 hours).

Commitment

In addition to training session time commitments listed above, participants will be expected to devote about 20 – 30 hours over the next year to successfully complete the program’s goals and exercises. Please carefully consider this time commitment before submitting an application.