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Project Spotlight
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Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.
Project description Arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions affect more than 25% of the community. Arthritis alone affects 12% of the population across all life stages, including babies, young children, teenagers, young parents, middle aged and older people. Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 65. Chronic musculoskeletal conditions can severely impact on quality of life for those affected, their families and carers. There are as yet no cures, but despite this, appropriate management strategies can lead to a much improved quality of life. A vital first step is raising awareness that "something can be done" to break the cycle of pain, depression and to limit disability. Arthritis Victoria's Public Speaking Bureau has been established to train competent speakers on topics of arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions, on self management and the services provided by Arthritis Victoria. These are volunteer speakers recruited, trained and supported by Arthritis Victoria. They are advised and encouraged to maintain the currency of their knowledge and to increase expertise. A key objective is to ensure this public speaking service is available to all client groups. During 1999, 22 public speakers addressed 118 groups and more than 3,700 people. In maintaining, developing and supporting a team of volunteer public speakers, it is of high priority to improve access for cultural, regional, gender and age specific groups. Training workshops are required in rural Victoria, for young speakers for youth groups, bi-lingual speakers and speakers able to work with interpreters, including sign language interpreters. All speaking engagements are evaluated and client evaluations are documented and acted upon. As part of an organisational commitment to quality improvement, client evaluation processes are periodically reviewed. Can donors/grantmakers give directly for this project? Yes If so, how? By cheque made payable to "Arthritis Foundation of Victoria Inc", stating that the donation is to be directed to "The Public Speaking Bureau". Please mark cheques attention of Mr Bill O'Connor, Co-ordinator of the Public Speaking Bureau. Postal Address: Arthritis Victoria, PO Box 130, Caulfield South 3162 Is there an allowance for administrative costs? No, all donations will contribute directly to the project. Contact details for further information: Mr Bill O'Connor, Co-ordinator Public Speaking Bureau (03) 9530 0255 This project was selected by Givewell's Research Analyst, Aneesh Sadarangani: "Arthritis affects a significant proportion of the population, especially the elderly. As there is as yet no cure, provision of information on self management is very important in helping people lead more productive lives." Aneesh has made a donation to the project which has been matched by Givewell. |
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