Every major right we enjoy today – like guaranteed access to health insurance, employment protections, and the right to test blood sugar in the classroom – was made possible by advocates from all over the US who shared their stories with policymakers and demanded change.
Still, there is much more to do, like reducing the cost of insulin, ensuring our devices and prescriptions are covered, and increasing research spending.
This means, there are endless ways for you to get involved in advocacy. To be an advocate, you don’t need a deep understanding of civic affairs, government policies, or your local political figures. You just need to care about the issue and be able to explain to elected officials why they should care too.
- Connect with Peers and Share your Story. Connecting with others who also have diabetes helps you learn from their experiences and build a supportive network. Impactful narratives led by individuals with lived experience are essential to grassroots advocacy efforts.
- Speak Up and Get to Know your Legislators: Write letters, attend community meetings, and engage with policymakers at town halls and coffee chats. A mix of approaches from individual meetings with legislators to collaborating with national organizations (like DPAC) can strengthen the impact of strategic, focused messaging around particular policies. Find your legislators and their websites here.
- Engage Diverse Communities and Leverage Social Media: Share information and resources within your community to advocate effectively. Agree on common talking points and priorities to amplify consistent messaging. Share stories, facts, and calls to action to drive positive change for everyone affected by diabetes.
Remember, every voice matters!
Learn more about becoming a DPAC advocate here.