Apply to be an OI Support Group Leader!
Applications are due by August 25, 2023
The OI Foundation recognizes the value of creating a space where members of the OI community can share their personal experiences, and both receive and provide support. For many years, OI Support Groups met in person, but with advancements in technology, some of the groups have chosen to meet virtually in recent years. The OIF is now expanding this important program to ensure that everyone in the US has the opportunity to connect either by geography or by interest. We need your help to make this program successful!
The goal of the OI Support Group Program is to provide space for sharing, educating, and socializing.
- Sharing allows participants to talk about their experiences and feelings and offer each other mutual support and encouragement.
- Education occurs when group members receive new information on topics of interest. OI Foundation videos or local speakers can be sources of information. Topics can be related to OI itself or any areas involved in living with OI (e.g., school, recreation, employment, insurance, driving, etc.).
- Social time provides an unstructured opportunity for members to enjoy each other’s company. Many support groups schedule a special annual event, such as a picnic or holiday party, in addition to the regular meetings.
The OI Support Group Program is divided into five Regional Groups (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and West) and OI Affinity Groups. With support from OIF staff, each Support Group is led by an OI community member.
Regional Support Group Leaders will receive an annual stipend plus travel to the OIF’s biennial National Conference. Regional Support Group Leaders must live in the geographic area they are looking to support and have experience with OIF programs and services.
Affinity Group Leaders can live anywhere in the world but the OIF can only cover domestic airfare for the National Conference. Hotel and registration fees for internationally based Affinity Group Leaders will be covered. OI Affinity Groups are nationally-based groups of individuals with a shared interest or common identity characteristic. Examples of Affinity Groups include LGBTQIA+, Young Adults, Parents of Children with OI, Accessible Travel, Health and Wellness.
If you have any questions, please email Kenna Coleman at kcoleman@oif.org
Baylor College of Medicine is conducting this OI Wellbeing Study as a part of the Brittle Bone Disorders Consortium which aims to improve the lives of people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
