Share the Hope through Children's Congress

It’s been two days since JDRF Advocacy officially launched the Children's Congress (CC) 2011 application and the number of applicants is growing quickly! Since its inception in 1999, interest in this one of a kind advocacy event has grown steadily. Over the past 11 years, CC has come to represent the hope of millions impacted by diabetes who believe that a cure is certainly within reach.

That is the essence of CC—hope! It's the hope that we hold in finding a cure one day in the near future, it's the hope that we want to share with our Members of Congress, and it's the hope that we want CC Delegates to not only share with their family and friends but also with those they will represent in Washington from June 20 to 22.

I have been fortunate to have been part of organizing CC in 2007 and 2009, and both times I have been impressed by the resilience of our CC Delegates. They all have come to the nation's capital with a mission oriented attitude: To make sure that Congress understands the importance of continuing our search for a cure! And never once have I seen any of them ever let the busy CC schedule or the hot and muggy summers of Washington get in their way of delivering the message of a cure and hope. As past delegates have done, you now have the opportunity to make sure that Congress hears from you about why we need a cure.

You can apply right now by clicking here.

Thousands will apply but only a few will be chosen, but I would still encourage you to act and apply today. Over and over I hear of CC Delegates having life-changing experiences because of their time in Washington. Many have gone on to find careers in areas where they can continue to share hope with others. For instance, a Delegate from the very first CC in 1999, Megan Casey, joined the JDRF staff to continue doing her part in finding a cure. You can watch Megan’s video below. Another Delegate, Svati Narula, from the ’03 Delegate class is not only interning with JDRF Advocacy but also writes a blog to help those living with type 1 and is a D-Camp counselor. Click here to read Svati’s blog post about CC.

 

If I haven’t already convinced you to apply, check out the rest of the CC website. You can find out about Delegates from CC09, watch video from past CCs, and post comments and questions to the CC blog (so be sure to leave a comment or two below!). Our volunteer selection committee looks forward to reviewing your applications!

Hasan Shah
CC Support Staff &
JDRF-er since August ‘06