FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I apply for JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress?
The JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress online application will be open from early September through November in 2022. Follow JDRF Advocacy on social media and visit cc.jdrf.org for more information as it becomes available.

When and where will JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress be held?
JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress will be held in downtown Washington, D.C. in June 2023. JDRF’s COVID-19 protocol for in-person events will apply for all attendees. Given the fluid landscape around variants and vaccine availability for youth, please stay tuned for updates in this FAQ.

When and how will I learn if my child has been chosen as a Children’s Congress Delegate?
Each application is carefully reviewed by volunteer committee members, and once Delegates have been selected, notification letters will be mailed in February 2023 (please note that this date is subject to change). Each family who applied for Children’s Congress will receive a notification letter.

What is the JDRF Volunteer Selection Committee looking for in applicants to JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress?
The JDRF Volunteer Selection Committee is looking for a cross-section of youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) across the country who are highly engaged in the many facets of JDRF, with an emphasis on advocacy involvement. Delegates (or a parent in the case of small children) must be willing to share their compelling story about life with T1D and their interest in JDRF’s mission of creating a world without type 1 diabetes. T1D youth ages 4 – 17 (at the time of the event) are eligible to apply.

What are the chances of being selected as a JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress Delegate?
For each biennial event, JDRF receives more than 1,000 applications for JDRF Children’s Congress, while approximately 160 applicants will be selected as Delegates. Many children will apply more than once before being selected as a Delegate. Prior to applying, and in some cases reapplying, families are encouraged to advocate for JDRF back in their home state through the JDRF ‘Promise to Remember Me’ campaign and other Advocacy efforts, such as the JDRF ‘Youth Advocacy Leader’ (YAL) Program. ‘Promise to Remember Me’ is extremely important to JDRF’s legislative policy success and gives everyone an opportunity to help while showing a commitment to JDRF Advocacy’s mission the next time they apply. If not selected for Children’s Congress, please do not feel disheartened as this is a very competitive and selective process. Please consider applying again for the next event and participate in JDRF One Walks, Rides, Galas, TypeOneNation Summits, and other JDRF community events in the meantime.

What is the role of a JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress Delegate?
Selected Delegates and one parent/guardian per Delegate must attend Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. in June 2023. Delegates will be asked to make local media appearances, complete tasks relating to JDRF Children’s Congress before, during, and after the event, interact with other Delegates, visit Capitol Hill to meet with national lawmakers and staff, and spread JDRF’s mission of creating a world without type 1 diabetes.

Will Delegates have responsibilities once JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress is completed?
Delegates should stay connected with JDRF’s Advocacy efforts by participating in the JDRF ‘Promise to Remember Me’ campaign and ‘New Member Outreach Initiative’ – where Delegates will have an opportunity to meet with Federal legislators locally, in their home states and district offices – and other local JDRF Chapter events. JDRF Children’s Congress is a competitive program and those selected as Delegates should view their time as their JDRF Chapter’s Delegate as a platform for recruiting new advocates, spreading JDRF Advocacy’s mission, and getting their community involved in communicating with their Members of Congress