WHO WE ARE:

--We were started by people with IBS for others like ourselves and for supportive relatives and friends who want to act in concrete, constructive ways toward public awareness, advocacy and public and private funding for IBS community needs.

--We also welcome health care or human service professionals who actively support self-advocacy and person-centered philosophies.

-- We strive to work toward equity with other common health conditions and disabilities in public awareness, resources for treatment and research, and local community support systems.

WHO WE ARE NOT:

-- Our group is NOT for general information, treatment advice or coping support.

-- NO product or service sales or advertising or fundraising for individual benefit are permitted.

-- We do not intend to replace or compete with existing IBS resources. We encourage members to continue to support any resources of their own choice.

-- We are NOT affiliated with or endorsed by any other group or organization, but we welcome constructive collaboration.

PRIVACY CONCERNS:

-- To give members some privacy and to reduce spam and hoaxes, this is a restricted Yahoo group.

---To join, you must be willing to provide the listowner with your real name, valid email address, state/province/region and country, your interest in IBS (person with IBS, relative, friend and/or professional), position and affiliation if identifying primarily as a professional, and how you learned of IBS Impact.

-- You will receive an automated screening message from Yahoo Groups requesting this information. Please check your email and reply to the IBS Impact listowner within 3 days.

-- This information will not be shared without your consent. It is seen only by the listowner to ascertain legitimate interest in the group, and to facilitate relevant content and future organizing by region or interest. However, as this is a self-advocacy list, you are encouraged to introduce yourself and network with others in the group.