Want to be here?
Would you like to visit Washington D.C. in the spring, for free (or very close to it)? You might be eligible to do just that!
Of course, there is a little catch.
The Arthritis Foundation recently announced their list of “target districts” for the 2014 Advocacy Summit, to be held in Washington D.C. March 24th-27th, 2014. If you reside in one of these districts, you are eligible to apply for a travel award to cover your expenses and participate in the summit. Pretty neat, right?
The Advocacy Summit is an amazing experience, all by itself. In March of 2013, my family attended. Despite the now famous “snowquester” that took place, we got an awful lot done, had a great time meeting elected officials, other arthritis advocates from all over the country, and even had a little time to fit in some sightseeing.
Bonus that so many things to see in Washington D.C. are absolutely free, so when we did have a bit of downtime, it didn’t break the bank either!
If you have been on the fence about becoming an arthritis ambassador with the AF, or considering a trip to D.C. for the summit, I urge you to just go ahead and take the plunge. We were a bit apprehensive the first time, but it was absolutely the right choice! They even have programs for the kids which are fun and educational in the Kid’s Summit that runs alongside the adult activities. I felt especially privileged to show my children how our government works first hand and actually take a part in the process. It was an amazing educational opportunity in addition to the chance to make a real impact in advancements for their disease. We made new friends, made a real impact, and made great memories. Win-win-win.
If you are in one of the following target districts you could be eligible for a travel award to next year’s summit! But don’t delay, the deadline to apply is December 20th.
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If you aren’t in one of the target districts, it doesn’t mean that your attendance isn’t valuable too! The more advocates that attend and tell their representatives how much this cause means to them, the better chance we will have to advance legislation that will result in more research and better conditions for those living with all forms of rheumatic conditions. Its a powerful statement that you are willing to travel to Washington, delivering this message in person.
If you still aren’t sure, or have questions, contact me! If I can’t answer them, I’ll hook you up with someone who can, or at least introduce you to your local AF rep who probably would LOVE to meet you anyway.
We’ll be there in 2014… hope to see you there too!
That’s a great opportunity. I’d sure would love to!
Kathryn Dilligard recently posted…The Site Owl
Kathryn- get involved with your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, and find out how you can help. You may even be eligible for a travel award!
Go if you can, it is an amazing experience!
It definitely is! Can you share some of the highlights from one of the trips you took Mikayla?
This is an amazing opportunity. So often the very people who should attend an event like this and get involved, are the people who can not afford to because they are dealing with medical and life expenses.
Tracie recently posted…Time To Unplug
Exactly Tracie! I hope by spreading the word we can get the right folks in DC this spring!