DPAC is now accepting applications for the inaugural DPAC Policy Training Meeting, which will take place in Washington, D.C. from September 29 to October 1, 2018. Individuals impacted by diabetes who have a passion for policy advocacy and wish to have advanced training are encouraged to apply.
Why?
DPAC was founded to fill a gap in our community: a patient-first diabetes policy advocacy organization that focuses on safety, quality, and access. While we collaborate closely with other nonprofit organizations that help our community, the patient voice needed to be elevated. Over the past few years, DPAC has provided tools and resources to make policy advocacy easy to understand (and fun while learning about it!).It's time for the next step. The in-depth meeting will offer social media and public speaker training alongside education on policy issues our community currently faces and how to effectively advocate on a state and federal level. We'll be bringing in experts and sharing best practices before we head up to Capitol Hill for our very first joint Hill Day.
Joint Hill Day
The Endocrine Society's endocrinologist advocates will team up with our DPAC advocates to meet with members of Congress and their staff. Rather than research funding (which is what JDRF and ADA do best, so why reinvent the wheel?!) meetings, this Hill Day's focus will be on policy issues and upcoming bills in Congress. By bringing patients and medical professionals together in the same meeting, it shows that we are united in our efforts to help all patients with diabetes.
What's Involved?
For those who have shown an interest in policy advocacy and are selected to attend, DPAC will provide travel and lodging to Washington, D.C. to attend the meeting. Saturday and Sunday will be intensive training days (sorry - no time to sightsee!). Monday will be our Hill Day, and attendees will depart from the Hill to head back home.
And Then What?
The fun (and we hope it will be fun for attendees) doesn't stop after the DPAC Policy Training Meeting. DPAC will be providing additional training and resources throughout 2019 to help these determined policy advocates in their own state. They may also be asked to speak in their state legislature (or come back to D.C.) on a diabetes issue. Diabetes policy advocacy isn't a quick fix; we're in this for the long-haul!
How Do I Apply?
Click here for the application.
Please take note of the application requirements and take your time answering the questions.
Applications will be accepted until FRIDAY, AUGUST 2nd.
DPAC will announce the first DPAC Policy Training Meeting attendees the week of August 13th.
We hope you'll consider applying and joining us in Washington, D.C. to advocate for our community!
