With our campaigns, we aim to raise awareness for ME/CFS, promote research, and show solidarity with those affected. In our action toolkit, we present simple and effective suggestions for supporters and clubs on how initiatives can be carried out independently or in collaboration with us.
Content
Goals
- Raise awareness about the severe multisystem disease ME/CFS
- Fundraising for more ME/CFS research (via ME/CFS Research Foundation)
Campaign: Missing from the Stands – Lost to ME/CFS!
- Give visibility to “lost” fans who can no longer attend in the stands – some can only follow matches via radio or live ticker
- Fans should be seen despite their “invisible” illness
Suggested Toolkit: Which awareness campaigns would we like to do with you?
Before the Matchday
Press
- Interviews in the club magazine or on the club website with affected fans
- Exhibition for fans about Empty Stands and our illnesses
Social media activities by the club
- Horizontal demonstration of the team (example)
- Share our campaign video
- Share regularly our donation league
On Matchday/In the Stadium
Posters in the stadium
- With QR codes for info and donations
Information booth outside the stadium
- Distribute Empty Stands postcards, stickers, flyers
- Sale of solidarity shirts
Play “You’ll never walk alone”
- Show names/faces of those severely affected or lost to ME/CFS on the stadium screen
Stadium announcer
- Live interview before the match or a dedicated speech with representatives of Empty Stands or the ME/CFS Research Foundation
Moment of silence before the match for those who died of ME/CFS
Donation activities
- Cup deposit donation collection
- Auction of (signed) match jerseys, announced by the stadium announcer
