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Get involved as a JDRF Advocate
You can get involved in JDRF advocacy today!
JDRF advocacy provides a unique opportunity for you to help take one step closer to treating, curing and preventing type 1 diabetes. With other advocates, some young, some adult, you'll have a vital role in building links between people affected by type 1 diabetes and Australia's politicians. By reaching out to today's decision makers you'll give them a better understanding of life with type 1 diabetes, and have an opportunity to get their support in helping to find a cure.
JDRF will help you all along the way. But you're the expert on type 1 diabetes. We'll be asking you to share your story of living with type 1 diabetes, and put a face to the 122,300 Australians who have the disease.
2013 is a Federal Election year and there will be lots of issues struggling to gain attention. It is up to us to make sure our politicians know how many Australians are committed to our mission of improving treatments and finding a cure for type 1 diabetes - only well-informed politicians can make good decisions.
JDRF has built a reputation in Canberra as a most effective advocacy organisation, as a direct result of the personal relationships our advocates and their families have developed over time with their local MPs.
Working together - here's a snapshot of some of the achievements of JDRF advocates:
- In March 2010, Kids in the House families secured a $5m grant for the Clinical Trial Network from the federal government
- In 2011, several families worked with the media and JDRF to secure a long awaited increase in age eligibility for the Federal Government's Carers Allowance, resulting in an additional $43m in support to the type 1 community
- During 2012 hundreds of families joined the Promise to Remember Me campaign resulting in over 140 meetings between JDRF advocates and their families and local MPs
- In November 2012, 100 Kids in the House families travelled to Parliament House and met with politicians from both parties
- JDRF Advocates confirmed an election commitment of $35m from the Coalition. This is the amount needed over five years to expand the JDRF clinical research network to more effectively pursue a cure for type 1 diabetes in Australia
- The achievements of individual child advocates were reported in newspapers across the country
- Hundreds of advocates used social media to lobby their local MP, other influential MPs and the broader community.
But this is just the beginning. To make an impact in 2013 we need your help. Join us today as a JDRF advocate. To find out more contact our Government Relations Team on 02 9020 6100 or advocacy@jdrf.org.au.
