Making a difference in the T1D community and beyond
Connect with newly diagnosed individuals through programs like JDRF's Peer Mentoring or local diabetes support groups. Your experience can provide hope and practical guidance.
Share your insights with parents of children with T1D. Your perspective as someone living successfully with diabetes can ease their fears about their child's future.
Participate in diabetes forums, social media groups, and virtual support communities. Answer questions, share tips, and provide encouragement to others.
Serve as a counselor or volunteer at diabetes camps. Your presence shows kids and teens what's possible and provides invaluable role modeling.
Join JDRF's advocacy network or ADA's grassroots efforts. Contact legislators about insulin pricing, insurance coverage, and research funding. Your voice matters.
Advocate for insulin price caps, prescription assistance programs, and policies that improve access to life-saving medications and supplies.
Educate employers about ADA protections for people with diabetes. Advocate for reasonable accommodations and anti-discrimination policies.
Engage with your local community through school district policies, emergency responder training, and public awareness campaigns.
Participate in studies testing new medications, devices, and therapies. Clinical trial participation accelerates progress toward better treatments and potential cures.
Join registries like the T1D Exchange that collect data to improve understanding of diabetes management and outcomes. Your data helps researchers identify patterns and solutions.
Volunteer to test new pumps, CGMs, and automated insulin delivery systems. User feedback shapes the development of next-generation technologies.
If you have family members at risk for T1D, encourage participation in TrialNet screening and prevention studies. Early detection and intervention research is crucial.
Share your T1D story at schools, community organizations, or diabetes events. Personal stories create understanding and dispel misconceptions.
Use social media platforms to share your diabetes journey, educate about T1D, and challenge stigma. Use hashtags like #T1D, #Type1Diabetes, or #DiabetesAwareness.
Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel about living with T1D. Your authentic experiences can reach and help people worldwide.
Participate in or organize fundraising events for JDRF, ADA, or other diabetes organizations. Every dollar raised supports research, advocacy, and programs.
You don't need to do everything. Choose one area that resonates with you and start there. Even small actions create meaningful impact.
Whether it's research, policy, peer support, or awareness, find the aspect of advocacy that excites you. Your enthusiasm will sustain your efforts.