Government Days: Grassroots Advocacy at a Glance

Each spring, JDRF hosts Government Days in Washington D.C., bringing together more than 175 volunteers from across the country. These volunteers share powerful stories with members of Congress and have one goal: to educate lawmakers and create a case for new and continued research funding supporting the type 1 diabetes community.

JDRF’s stature as the leading global organization funding T1D research is due largely in part to these advocacy efforts.  To advance innovative and groundbreaking research, the scientific community needs powerful advocates able to engage government support and ensure that elected representatives share our vision of a world without type 1 diabetes.

JDRF makes a powerful impact in D.C. with its annual Government Day and bi-annual Children’s Congress events.   The collective power of JDRF advocates has secured multi-year renewals of $150 million for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) that funds life-changing clinical trials. Other JDRF advocacy impacts include FDA approval of the first artificial pancreas system and important policies such as ensuring Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitors.

Priorities for the March 2020 JDRF Government Days include:

• Invest in Innovation: Advocate for continued funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which provides $150 million a year in T1D research funding.
• Ensure Regulatory Frameworks That Promote Innovation: Ensure United States regulatory policies provide clear and reasonable pathways for scientific research and therapy approvals.
• Promote Access for Life-Changing T1D Breakthroughs: Advocate for coverage, affordability and choice of T1D therapies in the health care system and for national policies that protect those with pre-existing conditions like T1D.

Raise Your Voice:

JDRF’s Government Day happens only once a year, but meaningful advocacy work takes place year-round.  Grassroots advocacy efforts truly make a difference:

• Learn about issues being prioritized by Government Day volunteers HERE and then call your congressional representative to share your position on the issues.
• Write it down! Share your story through a personal letter to your Congressional representative.  The more they hear from their constituents about a single topic, the more likely they are to pay attention.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and tell your story about living with T1D, sharing why JDRF’s Advocacy agenda matters to you. Advocacy includes inspiring others to raise their voice; your story my be just the inspiration others need to take action.
• Text “ACTION” to 53731 to start receiving (and sharing) Advocacy news alerts. You can also follow JDRF Advocacy on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
• Join the conversation on February 29 at JDRF TypeOneNation Summit by listening in our our Advocacy Panel session with local T1D Champions @ChristineBissler and @GaildeVore
• Join us on March 19 for the Chronic Care Collaborative’s Day at the Capitol in Denver and raise your voice for everyone living with a chronic disease in Colorado. #WeAreStrongerTogether