<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> When you have the gluten-free diet under control, are feeling fine, and have some knowledge about celiac disease, you might want to consider being a contact person for CSA/USA. Volunteering to start a resource unit (individual contact) or chapter may evolve out of a sense of wanting other people to have an easier time of adjustment than you did. Most newly-diagnosed celiacs want to talk about their journey to diagnosis and lack of medical understanding and problems with the diet. Someone helped you and you want to pass the kindness on. We want to accentuate the positive. One of the major goals of CSA/USA, Inc. is to educate the individual celiacs and people with dermatitis herpetiformis. Within the structure of developing chapters or resource units, celiacs are invited to join together to learn about the disease and the gluten- free diet. CSA sponsors 74 chapter affiliates and 36 resource units. The CSA office and officers aid with specific guidelines and suggestions for chapter development and ideas for programs, publicity, enlisting support of the medical and dietetic communities, etc. Contact CSA at P.O. Box 31700, Omaha, NE 68131-0700 (phone 402/558- 0600) for further information about how to apply for chapter or resource unit status. Or I personally would be happy to talk with you. (E-mail: [log in to unmask]) (phone: 713/783-7608). The goal of support groups is to provide continuing education on celiac disease, encouragement and practical help in coping with our frustrating chronic condition in order to contribute to continued health and well-being. Everyone has individual talents and abilities that can be utilized in service to CSA. I hope you will join us! Janet Rinehart, Houston, CSA President-Elect