New Look for VIA E-News
Welcome to the new Volunteers In Action E-News!  This updated look is part of our Volunteers In Action program being launched at the American Diabetes Association’s 64th Annual Meeting.  In addition to a new look for this e-newsletter, the program will roll out the latest volunteer materials and resources that support our mission.  We look forward to sharing more about this exciting initiative in upcoming editions of Volunteers In Action E-News.

Volunteers “Rise to Meet the Challenge” at the
American Diabetes Association’s 64th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions June 4-8
This week, American Diabetes Association volunteers and staff will come together to attend the Association’s 64th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.  As part of this meeting, the Association holds its annual Community Assembly for Leadership Volunteers.  The theme of this year’s meeting is “Rising to Meet the Challenge.”  This gathering is a great opportunity for volunteers and staff to mingle, exchange ideas, and learn how all of us can work together to meet the challenges that lie ahead in facing diabetes. 

Coinciding with the Association’s Annual Meeting is the 64th Annual Scientific Sessions – the world’s largest science meeting on diabetes.  Every year, the American Diabetes Association brings together more than 10,000 leading health care professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, while sharing and learning about the latest advancements in diabetes research and products. In addition to research findings, the meeting’s exhibit hall showcases more than 200 companies featuring the latest advances in diabetes products, equipment and services, and other features marketed to both professionals and consumers. 

Seeing Red - Diabetes Advocates Swarm Capitol Hill

On May 5th - 7th, more than 300 diabetes advocates were in Washington, DC to participate in the American Diabetes Association’s 2004 Call to Congress: Conquer Diabetes. Their purpose was to lobby their members of Congress for increased funding for diabetes.   From as far away as Hawaii and as close as northern Virginia, advocates arrived in the nation’s capital by plane, train and automobile searching for improved methods of prevention and a cure for diabetes.

 While at the Call to Congress, advocates heard from leaders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the primary entities for diabetes research and prevention in our country. They received tips on how to lobby their elected officials from a former member of the US House of Representatives, the Honorable Tom Ewing (R-IL), who sits on the ADA’s National Advocacy Committee.  Advocates networked with other Call to Congress participants from around the country and learned how to make an impact on how our country views and funds diabetes research and prevention programs.

“I learned so much about politics, how our government works, and that I can make a difference,” said ADA volunteer Barbara Thorne Courtney, a nurse and certified diabetes educator from Florida who has had type 1 diabetes for 30 years. “But more importantly, I learned that my wonderful support system extends far beyond my family, friends, health care team and co-workers.”

Several Congressional leaders also participated in the event.  Senator John Breaux (D-LA), Representative George Nethercutt (R-WA)  and Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), the co-chairs of the Senate and House Diabetes Caucuses spoke to the advocates and applauded them for their passion, courage and conviction. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Delegate Donna Christensen (D-VI) called on the need for increased diabetes awareness and prevention efforts within communities of color.

National Conquer Diabetes Call-In:  Ringing with Success

At the same time that the Call to Congress attendees were making their visits to Capitol Hill on Thursday, May 6th, diabetes advocates from around the country were participating in the 2004 National Conquer Diabetes Call-In.

When participants dialed the special toll-free call in number, they were directed to the Washington, DC offices of their members of Congress.  Callers then urged their member to support legislation that would increase funding for diabetes research and prevention.  All told, more than 7,000 phone calls were placed that day by diabetes advocates.

“We have never seen this degree of persistence from core advocates,” stated a communications official from the company that helped set up systems for the call.  “In fact, this is the largest single day call-in program we have ever managed for Capitol Hill.”

“Diabetes advocates really stepped up to the plate on May 6th,” stated Stewart Perry, Chair of the ADA’s National Advocacy Committee. “The Capitol Hill visits combined with an outstanding call-in response made it a true diabetes home run.  The American Diabetes Association’s diabetes advocates were definitely seen and heard.”  The National Conquer Diabetes Call-In was made possible by a generous grant from Novo-Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.