JDRF 2013 Children's Congress

As a former middle and high school teacher, I was always well aware of how most of my students chose to spend their summers: lots of late nights, sleeping in until noon, hanging out with friends during the day, and maybe the occasional summer job. But, this is not how 150 children with diabetes are choosing to spend their time this week. These children, who are from the United States and abroad, are united together in Washington, D.C. to encourage Congress to continue funding research initiatives aimed at preventing, curing, and treating type 1 diabetes. This event, called Children's Congress,  is organized by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and has been an effective advocacy tool.

A past Children's Congress testifying at a U.S.
Senate committee hearing. Source: JDRF

JDRF Children's Congress will convene July 8-10 in Washington, D.C. During these three days, children will meet with their elected officials and even testify before a Senate committee. I have watched several videos of this year's delegates (The Wyoming delegate is my favorite) and am very happy to be represented by so many wonderful and ambitious children. They are very articulate, and I am confident that they will tell their stories eloquently when given the chance.

If you would like to learn more about the Children's Congress, visit the link here. You can show your support for the Children's Congress by following the JDRF on twitter @JDRF and by tweeting your support using the hashtag #JDRFcc2013.