Updated July 2016

Siblings with a Mission:

International Society for Support and Awareness
I. About Us
Siblings with a Mission is an international society where siblings of individuals with
special needs and developmental delays can receive support. The Society provides siblings an
opportunity to express their concerns and insights as well as meet other siblings through the use
of online story columns, resource centers, video conversations, web chat forums, and sibling
workshops. Members of the Society will serve as brothers or sisters to others as they offer
support and share their story. The Society strives to inspire siblings to spread awareness of
disabilities and teach others what its like to live with special needs. We want to inspire siblings
to support others, have fun, and make the best of every situation they have with their brother or
sister.
II. Brief Organization Description
Siblings with a Mission serves and supports siblings of individuals with special needs and
developmental delays. Our Mission: 1) Provide International Support, 2) Spread Awareness of
Special Needs, and 3) Inspire Siblings to Make a Difference
More information can be found on our website at www.siblingswithamission.org
III. Moto and Logo
Supporting Siblings and Spreading Hope: One Story at a Time

IV. Definitions: Sibling vs. Sibling Supporter

The term sibling refers to anyone who has a sibling or similar relationship with a person
affected by a disability or special needs. If you are a sibling of an individual with a physical,
intellectual, developmental, or related disability, this Society is for you. Throughout this
information packet, we will use the term sibling to define siblings of individuals with special
needs.

Updated July 2016

A sibling supporter is anyone who offers support to siblings of individuals with special
needs. Sibling supporters include family members, friends, teachers, doctors, professionals, and
anyone who believes in the Mission Statement of Siblings with a Mission.
Siblings with a Mission serves both siblings and sibling supporters through our website,
online story column, resource center, Facebook page, video chat services, and sibling workshops.
Siblings and sibling supporters are both encouraged to become members of Siblings with a
Mission as we work together to achieve our mission of offering support to siblings in every
country.
V. Mission Statement
Siblings with a Mission provides support to siblings of individuals with special needs and
developmental delays. The Society offers siblings of all backgrounds the opportunity to
communicate with other siblings. Serving as brothers, sisters, and mentors, members of the
Society will offer support and exchange stories with other members who are unable to
communicate with their differently-abled sibling at home. The Society encourages siblings to:

Share their story with other siblings

Express any concerns and challenges as well as any insights, suggestions, and joys
Have fun and make the best of every moment

In addition to offering support and stories, Siblings with a Mission strives to inspire
siblings of all ages to spread awareness of their brother or sisters differences and teach the world
that people still like to have fun and enjoy life regardless of their health challenges or
developmental delays.
Supporting Siblings and Spreading Hope: One Story at a Time
VI. Guiding Principles

Ensure a safe environment where every sibling, regardless of age, nationality, or

background, feels welcome
Provide a community where siblings can go for support in areas including but not limited
to: family, friends, school, hospitalizations, serious illness, emotions.
Serve as brothers or sisters to other members
Aim to answer questions including but not limited to:
a. How do I explain my siblings disability to my friends and family?
b. What should I do when people stare at my sibling?
c. How can I concentrate on my work and activities if my sibling makes a lot of
noise and requires a lot of attention?
d. Why do my parents spend more time with my sibling with a disability than they
do with me?
e. How should I deal with my emotions of anger, jealousy, and embarrassment?

Updated July 2016

f. How can I have more privacy when my sibling requires a therapist, aid, or nurse
at the house?
g. What should I do when my sibling goes to the hospital?
Spread awareness of various health and intellectual disabilities
Teach the world that having a disability is not the same as being inactive and
lifeless
Inspire siblings to participate in Sibling Workshops and help other siblings in need
Establish productive partnerships with parents, grandparents, family members, friends,
and teachers in order to provide support to all siblings
Offer support but not replace medical and professional guidance and counseling.

VI. Objectives

Establish a Story Column and Resource Center with resourceful information for siblings,
family, and friends
Provide a Facebook forum for siblings to chat, ask questions, and receive support
Host video conferences to provide siblings an opportunity to express their emotions,
obtain information, and receive support
Spread awareness by providing people of all ages with information on disabilities
including but not limited to: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), Autism, Down Syndrome,
ADD/ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and other
Developmental and Behavioral Delays
Inspire siblings to teach others that disabilities do not prevent people from having fun
and enjoying life
Motivate siblings to participate in Sibling Workshops by either 1) hosting a Sibling
Workshop, or 2) providing siblings with information about Sibling Workshops located
near them

VII. Subgroups in the Society

The Society will include subgroups with a focus on one of the disabilities below. Each
Group will provide information about the disability, video conferences, and offer support and
share stories with siblings of individuals affected by the specific disability.
I. Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), includes:
a. MPS I Hurler Syndrome, Hurler-Scheie Syndrome, Scheie Syndrome
b. MPS II Hunter Syndrome
c. MPS III Sanfilippo Syndrome A, B, C, and D
d. MPS IV Morquio Syndrome A, B
e. MPS VI Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome

Updated July 2016

f. MPS VII Sly Syndrome

h. MPS IX Natowicz Syndrome
II. Autism Spectrum Disorder (AS)
a. Autism
b. Asperger syndrome
c. Pervasive Developmental Disorder
III. Down Syndrome
IV. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
V. Bipolar Disorder
VI. Cerebral Palsy
VII. Sibling Grief Support
VIII. Option to Create Support Group
(Groups to be created Summer 2016: Cancer, Epilepsy, and more)

VIII. Join Siblings with a Mission: International Society for Support and Awareness
Siblings with a Mission is dedicated to support siblings around the world. In addition to
offering siblings support, the Society strives to spread awareness of disabilities and teach
communities that people affected by a disability can still have fun and enjoy life, too. By joining
the Society, you can meet other siblings, receive support, and spread awareness of disabilities
including but not limited to Autism, Down syndrome, Asperger syndrome, and
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). By joining, you will receive information and updates about the
activities of Siblings with a Mission, including video conferences, Story Column posts, and
Sibling Workshops.
Encourage others to join as well. Its free! Siblings with a Mission is open to siblings and
sibling supporters of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. With more members, we can
achieve our mission of spreading awareness of disabilities and offering more support to more
siblings around the world.

Updated July 2016

To join, please complete the Become a Member Form at www.siblingswithamission.org/becomea-member.html.

IX. Leadership Team Positions

Founding Members:
President of the Society Nathan Grant. Ohio, USA
Vice-President of the Society Chelsey Klenke. Illinois, USA.
Operations Executive Rachel Dokko. California, USA.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Information Technology (IT) Director
Director of the Science and Research Center
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief
1-2 Leaders of the MPS Group
1-2 Leaders of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Group
1-2 Leaders of the Down Syndrome Group
1-2 Leaders of the ADD/ADHD Group
1-2 Leaders of the Bipolar Disorder Group
1-2 Leaders of the Cerebral Palsy Group
1-2 Leaders of the Grief Support Group
Public Speaker
X. Job Descriptions
President The President of the Society will ensure that the Mission Statement, Guiding
Principles, and Objectives are accomplished and followed by every member. The President is in
charge of spreading awareness of the Society to siblings, parents, schools, hospitals, and
associations. The President guarantees that siblings receive information and support, have fun,
and stay safe. The President encourages siblings to participate in Sibling Workshops and will
help in the creation of a Sibling Workshop(s). The President will inspire siblings to spread

Updated July 2016

awareness and teach others about a disability. The President maintains all platforms used by the
Society, including the website, email account, and Facebook group.
Vice-President The Vice-President of the Society will ensure that the Mission Statement,
Guiding Principles, and Objectives are accomplished and followed by every member. The VicePresident is the advisor of every Group Leader in the Society. The Vice-President will ensure that
Group Leaders post stories on their support groups page online. The Vice-President will inform
siblings about the Society and encourage siblings to participate in video conversations. The VicePresident will help siblings participate in Sibling Workshops and may help in the creation of a
Sibling Workshop. Along with the President, the Vice-President will help maintain all platforms
used by the Society, including the website and Facebook group
Operations Executive The Operations Executive of the Society will ensure that the Mission
Statement, Guiding Principles, and Objectives are accomplished and followed by every member.
The Operations Executive is in charge of spreading awareness of the Society to siblings, parents,
schools, teachers, and local associations. The Operations Executive will find and encourage
siblings to join the Society and participate in video conversations. The Operations Executive will
also find siblings to share their story for the Sibling Spotlight. In addition, the Operations
Executive will find and work with partners for Sibling Workshops and help siblings find
workshops in which they can participate.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations: The Marketing and Public Relations Director is in
charge of spreading awareness of Siblings with a Mission to siblings, parents, schools, teachers,
and local associations. The Media Administrator may employ any social media platform
including but not limited to the Societys website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, email,
and flyers. The Media Administrator will find and encourage siblings and sibling supporters to
join the Society. The Media Administrator will also find siblings to share their story for the
Sibling Spotlight. In addition, the Media Administrator may send emails to siblings or post news
and updates about the Society.
Science and Research Contributor, Story Contributors, and Journalists: The Science and
Research Contributor, Story Contributor, and Journalists are responsible for writing articles for
the website, especially for the Story Column and Resource pages dedicated to each Special
Needs Group. The Journalist can write articles on topics including but not limited to: sibling
lifestyle, stories for siblings, sibling workshops, current research and scientific breakthroughs,
recent support programs for special needs families, and national and international Sibling
Spotlight Stories. Before posting articles on the website, the Journalist must send the article to
the President.
Editor-in-Chief: The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for editing articles. Before any article are
posted, the Editor-in-Chief must edit and revise the articles. The Editor can also research topics
for articles, and write articles and assign them to others. Before posting any articles, the Editorin-Chief must send the article to the President and Vice-President.

Updated July 2016

Note: The Journalist and Editor-in-Chief Positions can be served by the same person or multiple
(more than 2) people.
Group Leaders: Group Leaders are in charge of a specific Special Needs Group in the Society.
Leaders are responsible for writing and posting stories for the Story Column of their support
group, Leaders are also in charge of hosting video chats. All leaders must report to the VicePresident and President before and after video conferences and before posting articles online.
Leaders should encourage siblings to participate in the conversation. In addition, leaders should
help siblings participate in Sibling Workshops. Leaders are responsible for inviting siblings to
join and become members of Siblings with a Mission.
Public Speaker: Public Speakers are members who have first-hand experience with a disability or
with special needs. Public Speakers can be parents, doctors, teachers, and people affected by a
disability. Public Speakers spread awareness of a disability by joining and speaking in video
conversations, meeting siblings, and/or attending sibling conferences.

XI. Platforms Employed by the Society

A. Website www.siblingswithamission.org The website contains information about the
Society. Each Special Needs Group will have its own section where there will be a link to the
monthly video chat as well as a Story Column and information for siblings. The website also
includes information about Sibling Workshops and related events.
B. Video Chat Adobe Connect, Skype, Oovoo, Google Hangouts, Facebook Video
Chat (more information to come). It is advised that 4-5 siblings participate in each chat (the
Chairmen of the Group must be present for each chat, as the Chairmen will lead the discussion).
**We understand that many siblings may not have access to a video camera, so some video
conversations may not be possible. This is why the Chairmen must record each conversation that
occurs and post the video on the website so that siblings who could not participate can still watch
the video. Chairmen must ask each participant for permission before recording the video.
**Chairmen can host as many conversations as necessary, but they must reported to the President
and Vice-President before doing so.
C. Facebook Chat Forum Siblings can use the Facebook chat forum to ask questions,
receive support, and obtain stories and information from other siblings. This is a great tool for
those who do not have access to a video camera.
D. Parents and Doctors Advice Invite parents and doctors to offer advice to siblings
through videos (recorded interviews) and/or through the Story Column

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E. Email emails will be sent each month to members who subscribe to the Society.
These emails will include the stories from the Story Column as well as Society news. Emails will
also include information about Sibling Workshops.
F. YouTube Chairmen and members are encouraged to post videos on YouTube. These
videos can include information and stories for other siblings. Our international trailer can also be
found on our YouTube page as well as on our homepage.
G. Sibling Story Spotlight Each month, one or two siblings are encouraged to share
their story for other siblings. These stories will be posted on the homepage of the website.
H. Sibling Workshop These are great opportunities for siblings to meet each other, ask
questions, and receive others stories and support.
XI. Potential Ideas and Suggestions (more information to be provided)
A. Language Groups, i.e. French Video Conversations
B. Summer Camp or Convention for Siblings
C. Run (5K) to Raise Awareness for the Society and for the Special Needs associations
D. International Cultural Awareness Conversations

XII. Awareness
The Society encourages siblings to spread awareness of their brother or sisters disability. This
can be done by writing articles about a disability, posting on the website, and then sharing
through email or Facebook. These articles should be written so that people of all ages can
understand. Siblings will also be taught and encouraged to give speeches at their school or
organization. Through this speeches, siblings can teach others about their brother or sisters
differences and can inspire others to realize that people like to have fun and enjoy life
regardless of how they look or sound.
Siblings should spread awareness of the associations that help individuals like their brother or
sister. These associations can be established in any country. For example:
Mucopolysaccharidosis:
National MPS Society (USA)
UK MPS Society
Canadian MPS Society

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The Irish MPS Society

XIII. Sibling Workshops
Members of the Society are encouraged to participate in Sibling Workshops, and the Group
Leaders, Operations Executive, Vice-President, and President are advised to create a Sibling
Workshop in their local area or country, if possible. Many hospitals, universities, amusement
parks, zoos, and aquariums have been known to host Sibling Workshops. More information can
be found online regarding how to set up and register a Sibling Workshop. Contact information of
siblings can be found at a local hospital or local disability association.
XIV. Disclaimer
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and
support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and
are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a
Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an
additional source of support.
XV. Contact Information
For more information, please contact siblingswithamission@gmail.com and visit our website at
www.siblingswithamission.org