Let’s talk about lupus - 10 Suggestions

1. Let’s talk about lupus with five friends
   Share something about your journey with lupus, what it’s like to live with lupus and how the illness impacts you and those around you.  

2. Let’s talk about lupus in your community.
   Ask your municipality to proclaim May 10, 2007 as World Lupus Day.
   A sample proclamation is in the kit. Simply contact your municipal office and request that the proclamation be on the agenda of a Council Meeting closest to May 10, 2007.
   Attend the meeting and bring your friends and speak to your elected officials. Tell your story.

3. Post a Let’s talk about lupus flyer in five public places:



• At your work, at your partner’s workplace
• At your community centre
• At your public library
• At your hospital
• At the stores you shop in most frequently - grocery store, coffee shop etc

4. Let’s talk about lupus in your community
   Send a letter (see sample template) to a local newspaper you read – follow-up with a phone call. Or write a letter to the editor about World Lupus Day – make it personal. When you see news items about the damaging effects of the sun on unprotected skin respond – call or write - sharing how important sun safety is for people with lupus and you protect your skin!

5. Let’s talk about lupus with politicians
   Now that you have spoken with your municipal politicians the next step is Let’s talk about lupus with politicians at the provincial and national levels.
   Take action with politicians using the resources of the Lupus AdvoKit

6. Let’s talk about lupus by e-mail
   Send an e-news letter to 5, 10, 15 … friends and family. Tell your story. What do you want them to know about lupus: how you cope, ways they could help in raising awareness, funding research, taking sun safety seriously. For information to add refer to the Let’s talk about lupus flyer.

7. Let’s talk about lupus with the health care community
   Adopt a doctor – distribute the Let’s talk about lupus flyer, awareness poster or special doctors’ info pad to your local doctor’s office and medical clinics to raise awareness thereby improving patient care. (Call Lupus Canada office at 1-800-661-1468 for supplies of the awareness poster and doctors’ info pad.)

8. Wear a lupus wristband – and talk about it.
   Red CONQUER LUPUS awareness bracelets are available for sale from your local member organizations or Lupus Canada.  To purchase a supply for friends and family, contact Lupus Canada at 1-800-661-1468.

9. Let’s talk about lupus with employers.
   Find out if your employer has a matching gift program and take advantage of it, ask those five friends if they would too.

10. Don’t stop now! Let’s talk about lupus throughout the year
    Awareness activities are not reserved for just May 10, it’s an ongoing need.
    Other dates to keep in mind:
    May 28-June 3 National Sun Awareness Week
    October – Lupus Awareness Month