The Promise to Remember Me Campaign
JDRF has a reputation as one of the most effective advocacy organizations in Washington, and that is a direct result of the relationships our thousands of advocates around the country have developed with their federal legislators. The Promise Campaign, begun in 2000, is the key to this relationship development. Each Campaign has been more successful than the last, and we are looking to again raise our visibility, reach, and effectiveness in 2009-2010 given the important legislative goals we are aiming to achieve.
The Promise Campaign is a coordinated effort to schedule and complete as many meetings as possible between representatives and senators and their constituents in their local districts. In addition to building relationships with federal lawmakers, it allows JDRF to continue the momentum and messaging established through our Children's Congress event.
Families are encouraged to bring their children, so lawmakers can hear first hand about living with type 1 diabetes. We have seen time and time again how impactful these meetings are for the legislators; when they are making public statements in Washington on issues of interest to people with type 1 diabetes, they often mention the Promise meetings they have had and the children they have met. You can view the key message points for our 2009-2010 meetings by clicking here.
In 2008, we completed a record 374 meetings. In 2010, our goal is to set another record by completing 400! Each meeting is chronicled by JDRF volunteers by taking a picture with the legislator and the families that attend. Those pictures are then delivered to each legislator in Washington as a reminder of the meeting.
Sign-up to attend a meeting in your area today!