ADI welcomes its newest associations to the Membership Development Programme

rom 15-18 August, ADI welcomed new and emerging Alzheimer or dementia associations to London, United Kingdom to partake in an Alzheimer University (AU), designed to provide a foundation of skills and knowledge needed to run a successful national association. The Alzheimer University for emerging associations is the first stage of the two-year ADI Membership Development Programme, designed to help, support and provide guidance to Alzheimer or dementia associations as they seek to become full members of ADI.

Representatives from Dementia Botswana (Pelonomi Foundation), Grenada Alzheimer’s Association, St Lucia Alzheimer & Dementia Association (SLADA), Serbian Society for Alzheimer’s Disease, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Association all took part in the intensive 3-day course, which covered areas such as governance, fundraising, media and social media, policy and awareness raising through the World Alzheimer’s Month campaign. These knowledge and skill based sessions culminated with each association developing strategies and objectives to strength as an association over the 2-year period of the Membership Development Programme.

Alongside ADI staff, participants were joined by external speakers from Edelman PR, ADI Associations and the Young Onset Dementia Advocates (YODAs) , a support group based in the London Boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich for those living with young onset dementia and their carers. During the session representatives from YODA described their experience of living with the condition, as well as the impact that the friendships and support from the group had on their quality of life.

On the AU, Membership Manager and Membership Development Programme Lead, Laura Aubert said:

“It was great to see the enthusiasm and determination of our newest associations to make a real difference to the lives of those living with dementia and carers in their country. ADI stands willing and able to assist and guide them through their journeys as Alzheimer or dementia associations as they develop and we warmly welcome them all to the ADI family

The ADI Membership Development Programme is open to new and emerging associations that fulfil the eligibility criteria and from countries where ADI does not already have an existing member. More information on ADI Membership can be found by contacting Laura Aubert (l.aubert@alzint.org).