Participant Toolkit

You can use these templates as a starting point when reaching out to friends and family to raise funds and awareness of dystonia.

Social Media Templates

Template #1

Living with dystonia isn't always easy, but I know *Pet's Name* is my #1 supporter. You can vote for *Pet's Name* as your favorite pet and support dystonia research at petpalooza.swell.gives #dystoniapetpalooza

Template #2

*Pet's Name* wants YOU to support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (and show how popular *he/she* is) by voting for *him/her* as your favorite pet at petpalooza.swell.gives #dystoniapetpalooza

You can share the images below, along with photos or videos of your pet, and use the hashtag #dystoniapetpalooza to let your community know how to support your furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend.

Video Best Practices

Recording a video to share on social media is a great way to introduce people to the Dystonia Pet Palooza!

Please consider the following guidelines when recording and sharing videos for social media:

Videos should be recorded and uploaded with the highest possible resolution.

Please record your video in landscape (horizontal) format, if possible.

Your environment should be well lit. Avoid back-lighting (e.g., standing in front of a bright window).

Minimize background noise (e.g., a built-in microphone will pick up unwanted noise on a windy day.)

You might need to record several "takes" before the video is just right.

E-Mail Template

Dear ____________,

*Pet's Name* is more than an animal—*he/she* is a friend. *He/she* is there for me every day, good and bad, always ready to greet me with love and plenty of affection.

*Share an example of how your pet supports you with dystonia*

*Pet's Name* supports me so much, and it would mean a lot to me if you would consider supporting *him/her* and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) through the Dystonia Pet Palooza. 

This March, *Pet's Name* is raising money for the DMRF. By donating to *Pet's Name*'s fundraising page here *insert link*, you not only vote for *Pet's Name* as your favorite pet, but you also support the DMRF's efforts to advance dystonia research, promote awareness and education, and provide programs of support for people with dystonia.

Thank you for your support—and happy Pet Palooza!

*Photo of your pet*

Personalized Resources

Participants will receive QR codes linked to their pet's pages, as well as a copy of their pet's photo in a DMRF frame, to share on social media or by e-mail.