Dear Members, 

We know you have been waiting patiently for news of the World Lupus Day campaign.  

As you know we had planned to work with Leslie Quagraine once again. However, there has been a slight change to our original plans and our campaign. We will still be working with Leslie and his wonderful artwork will still  be used but in a different form and context. That original campaign idea will now become a longer-term, differently oriented, campaign. 

You are all aware that the World Lupus Federation has become a reality and is moving forwards. You also know how important it is for LUPUS EUROPE to play an active role in this initiative. 
 
That’s why we have taken the decision to join the World Lupus Federation in creating a joint World Lupus Day campaign – a ‘worldwide’ campaign. This will bring cohesion throughout the world and reach our goal of much greater visibility for lupus in a more effective way. 
 
We have posted the campaign flyers created for World Lupus Day 2016 on our website. (http://lupus-europe.eu/activities/may-10-world-lupus-day/09-wld-2016/article/world-lupus-day-2016-lupus-knows).You are, of course, free to add your organisation’s information and contact details, as well as translate the text into your own language. The text fields in the documents can be opened and adapted using Acrobat Pro. 

We also have an urgent  request for recording a video message to be used as part of the World Lupus Day campaign, as the World Lupus Federation invites people with lupus to be part of a short video for the World Lupus Day website.

The title of the video will be “Lupus Knows No Boundaries”. The video will include important messages about lupus and urge people to join the fight to end lupus.
We are asking for your help. We want you to help recruit volunteers who will record a video message using the script below BEFORE MARCH 25.

Volunteers may submit two versions of the video. If possible, submit one version in English (as it appears below), and another version spoken in the person’s native language. You will need to translate the script into your language.

We will post two versions of the edited video to the World Lupus Day website (worldlupusday.org). One version we post will be entirely in English, and other version will feature individuals speaking in their native language with English subtitles.
It’s not necessary to submit two versions of the video. Either version is acceptable.

Instructions on How to Record and Submit a Video:

Method:
Image and audio quality are very important. If possible, use a good quality video camera and microphone that will record the individual’s voice without picking up too much background noise. Other option is to use the record function on a tablet, such as an iPad, or a mobile phone that has good video and audio features, such as an iPhone.

Framing your video shot:
The person speaking should stand close to the camera we see the individual’s face and upper body. Avoid having the person stand too close or too far from the camera. This set up will ensure good audio quality.

Location: 
Consider recording the video at an interesting location that shows a well-known national landmark in the background. For example, someone from Paris might want to frame their shot with the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe in the background. Someone from London may wish to position themselves so the Parliament building or Buckingham Palace appears in the scene. This will help people viewing the video to know where the person is from.

Think of the possibilities that exist in your country. However, it’s not necessary to have a famous landmark in the background. The location also can be a park, farm, street or market that reflects country’s culture and beauty. You don’t even have to be outdoors. You can record your video inside a home, school, hospital, or workplace. You also can use a plain wall. The location is up to you.

Recording:
You can memorize the script below or write the script onto large cards and have someone hold them right beside or above the camera so you can read the script. If you make a mistake, don’t worry. Just start the sentence over again. We can edit the video to remove the mistakes. You do not have to be perfect. It is not necessary to record the entire script in a single take. You can start and stop the recording and submit separate clips.

Say each sentence of the script separately. Pause briefly between each line of the script. It is not necessary to record the entire script at one time.

How to Submit Your Video:
When you are finished recording and you are ready to submit your video, send an email to Duane Peters at peters@lupus.org. I will reply with a link to a Drop Box account where you can upload your video clips. You can upload a single file, or upload several separate clips.

Deadline:
Submit your video by Friday, March 25. This deadline allows us to have sufficient time to review each video submitted and edit them into a single final video for the World Lupus Day website.

Questions?
Please contact Duane Peters at the Lupus Foundation of America at peters@lupus.org.

The Script: 
Lupus is a serious autoimmune disease that knows no boundaries.
It affects millions of people around the world.
Lupus strikes people of all nationalities, races, and ethnicities.
It affects men and women, young and old. 
The exact causes of lupus still cannot be fully explained.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Common symptoms of lupus include joint and muscle pain, fatigue, skin rashes, fevers.
Lupus is unpredictable. Symptoms often come and go without warning.
It can attack any organ system in the body.
Its health effects can range from mild to life-threatening.
Lupus can cause heart attacks, strokes, seizures and organ failure.
It can be disabling, impacting your ability to work, attend school, or go about your daily life.
Lupus can change your life in many different ways, causing physical, emotional and financial harm.
But fortunately, there is hope. 
Research is beginning to find answers.
New treatments are being developed and tested, and more treatments are planned for the future.
Awareness of lupus is rising and governments are starting to take notice
But it’s not enough, and we can’t do it alone. 
You can make a difference. A big difference.
Start by educating yourself about lupus.
Then spread the word about lupus.
Tell your friends and family.
Go online and visit world lupus day dot org to learn how you can help.
Join the fight.
Thank you. 
Thank you for joining the fight to end lupus!