By Kris Hopkins

What is a CSN member and why would you want to be one? Here's a quick quiz to help you find out!

CSN stands for: (HINT: It has something to do with CFIDS)

A. Cider, Saltines and Nutmeg

B. Coral, Scarlet and Nectarine

C. California, South Dakota and Nebraska

D. The CFIDS Support Network (CSN) of America

The correct answer is D. The CFIDS Sup-port Network (CSN) of America is a network of CFIDS support group leaders, contacts and members.

That question was pretty easy. Here s a harder one:

Who can become a member of the CFIDS Support Network (CSN) of America?

A. Support Group Leaders

B. Support Group Contacts

C. Active Support Group Members

D. Individuals providing support to CFIDS patients

This is actually a trick question, as everyone listed can become a CSN member. Why? CSN has a lot to offer anyone who provides support and education to the CFIDS community.

Currently, more than 180 support groups across the country have joined together through CSN to support, encourage and educate each other. CSN is dedicated to providing support group leaders and their members with the foundation needed to create positive and successful support groups.

How does CSN meet this goal? By providing CSN members with information that is designed specifically to address the needs of support groups.

CSN members receive two updates each month (yes, each month!). One update contains information on the latest CFIDS research, treatment and public policy news; the second provides information on resources specifically designed for support groups. These updates are a great way to keep your support group informed of the latest news in between issues of The CFIDS Chronicle.

CSN members also have the opportunity to communicate directly with other CSN members on a regular basis. Free CSN Support Group conference calls are held bi-monthly so leaders can talk with one another about issues and/or challenges they are facing. Topics range from how to educate physicians to preparing for Awareness Day activities to preventing leader burnout.

One essential benefit of becoming a CSN member is the CFIDS Support Group Leader Handbook. Topics include basic information on starting a group, maintaining a telephone network and suggestions for creating support group resources such as a Physician Referral list or a Disability Guidance committee. This valuable resource can be placed in a three-ring binder so additional information can be added in the future.

Does your support group work to educate others about CFIDS? CSN wants to help! CSN members are entitled to discounts of up to 50% on educational materials offered by the Association. Members also receive 200 free copies per year of the Association s brochure, "Introducing CFIDS," and 250 postage-paid inquiry postcards for distribution at support group meetings or other events.

We invite you to find out about all of the membership benefits that CSN members enjoy! For more information, please call Kris Hopkins or Nova Bouknight at 704-364-0466, send an e-mail to csn@cfids.org, or send your name and address to The CFIDS Association of America, Attn: CSN Membership, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398.