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Advocating for diabetes sounds like a really important job, doesn't it? Meeting with members of Congress, being interviewed by the newspapers, rallying in front of the Capitol. These are some of the images people come up with when thinking about advocating. But even if you don't travel to Washington D.C. to lobby in front of Congress, you are a diabetes advocate.
"Me? A diabetes advocate?" you might ask. Yes, you. Here are some questions and count how many times you say "yes".
1. Have you been to Washington D.C. to lobby for diabetes?
2. Have you met with or spoken on the phone with a representative or senator?
3. Have you been interviewed by a newspaper or TV station?
4. Have you spoken to a large group regarding diabetes?
5. Have you spoken to a small group or an individual about diabetes?
6. Have you raised money for diabetes through Walk for a Cure?
If you say yes to any one of those questions, then you are a diabetes advocate.
There are five different levels of diabetes advocating: "Laid-back Attitude", "Hi, I'm A Diabetic", "Traveling Salesperson", "Sidekicks" and "Superheros"
The first level is "Laid-Back Attitude". With the "laid-back attitude", advocacy is a part of your daily life. You answer questions when asked, but you avoid bringing up diabetes. You attend the Walk and raise some money, and you probably go to a support group or camp. Does this sound like you? Then your "Advocacy Mission" is Walk for the Cure Fundraising. Go door-to-door collecting money for the Walk. Write letters to friends and family asking them to donate money and talk about your daily life and why you want a cure.
The second level is "Hi, I'm a Diabetic". You're comfortable with your diabetes and talking about your diabetes. You volunteer to talk to your class or other groups. You attend the Walk and always raise money. You like support group meetings and events. Camp is or was a favorite. You might have written one or two letters to your Members of Congress. If this sounds like you, your "Advocacy Mission" is the Letter-Writing Campaign. Next time you have an opportunity, invite friends or other diabetics to join you in a letter writing campaign to your Members of Congress. Collect letters from friends and family and mail them to your Senators and Representatives asking to increase funding for diabetes research.
If you belong in the next level, you are the "Traveling Salesperson" and with good reason: talking is your thing. You love talking to people about life with diabetes and why you want a cure. You probably talk to large groups of people often and have met with your representative or senator. You also go to diabetes events a few times a year. Since you like talking about diabetes, you've probably had publicity, too. As a "Traveling Salesperson", your "Advocacy Mission" is Front Page News. Contact your local or state newspaper and tell them about diabetes and the lack of funding it is getting. Tell them that you would like them to print an article about them, highlighting what you and the ADA are doing to find a cure.
The fourth level, "Sidekick", is a combination of the above three categories, but it has one special requirement: you don't have diabetes. Maybe you're a sibling or a friend and you care about finding a cure for diabetes. You raise money, talk about diabetes to friends, family and maybe the media and you always have fun with your diabetic friends, who really count on your support. If you're a sidekick, your "Advocacy Mission" is Spread The Word. Recruit is your middle name! Get as many of your friends to join you and your diabetic pals in your quest to find a cure. The more the merrier, and the faster we'll have a cure!
Last but certainly not least, we have the "Superhero". You are always on the go. Traveling around the country, going to diabetes events a few times a year or even organizing one, you are always doing something for diabetes advocacy. Talking with groups is no problem, and you're tackling the national media about diabetes and your cause. If you're a "Superhero", your "Advocacy Mission" is Event Coordinator. Talk to the local ADA office about volunteering in a planning committee and about how you can become more active in speaking at local events. With more experience, you could be the next National Youth Advocate, like Cullinan Williams and Clare Rosenfeld.
See? You are a diabetes advocate! If we all work together, at each level, we will find a cure for diabetes.