The Accu-Chek JDRF Youth Ambassador Program

A JDRF Youth Ambassador is a child, teenager or young adult that has type I diabetes and is willing to share his or her story of the daily challenges of living with diabetes.

We have found that Youth Ambassadors are the most influential advocates when it comes to raising awareness of the urgent need for funds for Australia's best and most promising diabetes research.

What do Youth Ambassadors Do?

Youth Ambassadors represent JDRF as well as children and young adults with diabetes at a variety of events.

The skills you learn and practice as a Youth Ambassador will assist you throughout life - and you'll have lots of fun too!

• You will meet other Youth Ambassadors and have the opportunity to share your experiences.
• You will be increase your confidence in public speaking - you will receive training and the opportunity to make guest appearances and presentations at special events.
• You will be involved in fun JDRF events.
• You will raise awareness of type 1 diabetes within your community.
  

Youth Ambassador Opportunities!

• Walk to Cure Diabetes: Presentations to business people
  Youth Ambassadors attend meetings at companies that are thinking about participating in the Walk To Cure Diabetes. Youth Ambassadors talk about what it's like to have type 1 diabetes and explain why people should get involved in the Walk. Pictures of Youth Ambassadors are sometimes used on JDRF letters to people interested in the Walk. The letters talk about having type 1 diabetes and provide information on the promising research JDRF is funding. These presentations and letters bring the reality of diabetes alive for people who may not know anything about it, motivating them to raise money for diabetes research.
  
  
• Ride to Cure Diabetes: Inspiration for Riders
  Riders in the Ride To Cure Diabetes may want to use your story in their letters to potential sponsors. Youth Ambassadors provide great inspiration to Riders as they raise money and train for the Ride.
  
  
• Gala Balls
  Youth Ambassadors help at JDRF's Gala Balls in many ways - from greeting guests, to helping with the silent and live auctions.
  
  
• Speaking with the Media
  Youth Ambassadors sometimes speak with journalists to tell them what it's like to have type 1 diabetes.
  
  
• Government Advocacy
  Youth Ambassadors are involved in patient advocacy activities, like meetings with MPs and events like Kids In The House. They also write letters to Members of Parliament and Senators about different issues relating to living with type 1 diabetes.
  

The YA Program

The Youth Ambassador Program involves a range of YA Workshops and Training Sessions.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact JDRF on info@jdrf.org.au

JDRF gratefully acknowledges the support of Roche, sponsor
of the Accu-Chek JDRF Youth Ambassador Program.