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AD*VO*CA*CY

noun
First appeared in the 15th Century
: the act or process of advocating or supporting a proposal

Advocacy is the best way to let people know what we want: a cure! Hundreds of kids have used their voice to advocate for a cure. They have met with senators and representatives, doctors, even celebrities, in hopes of letting everyone know how much we need a cure. They have spoken on national television and in local and national newspapers, educating the public that diabetes is a very serious disease and that we want a cure now.

There are lots of ways to get involved, ways that don't require you to travel all the way to Washington, D.C.



THE MEDIA

One of the best ways to get involved is to get media attention. The more people know about diabetes and how important it is that we get a cure, the better chance we have of getting the funding we need. Some media places you can contact include:

  • Local and state newspapers.
    • Most newspapers have special sections for citizens who are doing interesting things and it can give you a platform to talk about your life with diabetes, and why you want a cure. Newspapers are about what's going on in the community - and you're a part of that community.
  • Radio stations
    • Radio stations often have people come on to talk about a special event or program that's going on. If there's a Walk coming up, ask a station to highlight it.
  • Television stations
    Television stations will often have special programs about citizens in the community volunteering their time for a special cause. It's also a great platform to talk about something you're dealing with in your every day life.
  • Magazines
    Kid and teen magazines are always looking for stories about people doing extraordianry things or dealing with extraordinary problems- and dealing with diabetes is definitely one of them. Write to a magazine and introduce yourself and that you would like to be featured so you can talk about diabetes.

    LETTER WRITING

    Another great way to be an advocate is writing letters. Letter writing campaigns are a huge part of advocating. Writing letters to your representative and senators are very important ways to get the message across that we need a cure now. You can find out who your representative and senators are by going to: ACME Capitol Connect, which has listings for both the state legislators and the federal legislators.

    Here are a few tips when writing to your senator:

  • Address him or her as "Representative" or "Senator", not "Mr." or "Mrs."
  • Introduce yourself. Tell them your name, age, and where you live.
  • Explain why you are writing. Tell them why are cure is so important.
  • Give them some facts about diabetes.
  • Include your own personal story. Include when you were diagnosed and how it has affected you and your family.

    Remember, your senators and representatives may have been elected by your parents, but they represent you too! Tell them what you think, and they will listen.


    P.S. When sending your letters, don't forget to use the diabetes stamp! It's available at your local post office.

    HOW HAVE YOU HELPED?

    Have you been an active advocate? Let us know what you've done to help spread the word about diabetes, and you might see your name here! E-mail CureNow your story.