Dear Friends,

This edition of TouretteConnect is focused on the Tourette Association of America's National Awareness Month! Below you will find 5 easy ways to support 2016 Tourette Awareness Month and participate in the fun and exciting events that will take place!
 
It's an exciting time for the organization and I hope you will take advantage of one or more of these opportunities. 


I challenge you to get involved! #tiChallenge




President & CEO



5 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT
 AWARENESS MONTH
  1. SOCIAL MEDIA

Join the Social Media campaign to raise awareness and support for Tourette Syndrome. The goal is to leverage social media to educate, raise awareness, and support for Tourette Syndrome.

First Step: Join the TAA Thunderclap
Sarting NOW join the TAA Thunderclap! Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. Think of it as an "online flash mob" to support Tourette Awareness. When you join, it will automatically share the same message at the same time, spreading the idea of Awareness and Acceptance of Tourette and Tic Disorders through Facebook and Twitter. Your posts of support will be released in ONE, LOUD, Social Media voice on May 22nd at 10 am! Click to Join

Second Step: 
Participate in the #tiChallenge
The Tic-Challenge will kick off during National Awareness Week, May 22nd through May 30th. During this time we are asking everyone to create their own 'I Challenge' videos as it relates to Tourette and post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! See a sample video.

In order to maximize our voice, we are asking that you follow the guidelines and questions found here.  Please make sure to include in every post "Help me spread the word - share or text TEAL to 91999 to support. #tiChallenge"  If you are a parent, family member or friend of someone with TS you can participate too, just alter the message accordingly!
 
You can continue posting Challenge videos all month long to raise awareness. In addition, the Tourette Association of America will be posting 30 Challenges in 30 Days to keep the campaign rolling!


2. TEAL TUESDAYS

Wear teal  on Tuesdays to support Tourette at your school, business or public venue (sports events, concerts, etc) -bracelets, shirts, buttons, hair accessories, nail polish, anything!

Get your friends and colleagues to join you! Be sure to post some pictures on Social Media and tag the Tourette Association!
3. REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER, BECOME A MEMBER AND GET INVOLVED!

* Find your local Chapter or support group
* Organize a bake sale, lemonade stand, car wash or other type of fundraiser.
* Take Part in a TAA Event ( Calendar)  

4. TAKE ACTION. REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL SENATOR


Enlighten legislators about how their decisions can positively affect their communities.

* Ask your state official (governor, mayor or county executive) to issue a National Tourette  Syndrome Awareness Month proclamation. See sample letter & proclamation.

* Schedule a meeting with your local Congress member!

5. PARTICIPATE IN A TEAM TOURETTE AWARENESS WALK

National Awareness Walk - May 22, 2016, NY 
If you live in the tri-state area, join the Tourette Association's newly revamped  National Awareness 5K/Walk and tiChallenge. This fun walk will be exciting for the whole family and will officially kick off our "Tic-Challenge"  Learn More

 
Virtual Awareness Walk - May 15 - June 15
The Tourette Association's Virtual Awareness Walk was organized so that you can participate no matter where you are located or what your schedule may be!  Learn more


See what's happening on our social sites: