Healthcare Access

ADA Community Ambassador Toolkit

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is leading the charge to bring an end to diabetes, but we can’t do this alone. We need you by our side, activating your community, and rallying others to our cause.

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Diabetes affects more than 38 million children and adults in the United States. That’s 1 in 10 people. You can help your community fight this epidemic through education, awareness, and advocacy. Individuals and organizations interested in becoming Community Ambassadors are encouraged to use the resources and information provided on this page to assist them in joining the fight to end diabetes.

The Community Ambassador Toolkit serves as a hub of accessible resources for individuals interested in bringing diabetes information and programming directly to their civic and social groups, faith organizations, community-based organizations, and other groups. It contains a collection of resources for promoting diabetes awareness and education, supporting diabetes advocacy efforts, participating in grassroots fundraising, and much more. Explore the resources available for you to bring programming to your community today!

How to Get Involved

Ready to join the fight to end diabetes? We're excited to have you by our side. Here are some ways you can involve your local community.

A woman holds up a ball about to throw it at a fundraiser game with two young men looking on in the background.

DIY Fundraiser

Host a Fundraiser

Host a game night, trivia night, or charity dinner to fundraise for the American Diabetes Association! Partner with local businesses or create a social media challenge to raise awareness and funds.

Get Started

Signature Event

Step Out Walk

Step Out Walk is the ADA’s premier walking fundraising event that creates a sense of unity and shared purpose in the fight to end diabetes. Join walks nationwide or virtually to support ADA's mission!

Join the Walk

Senior man on bicycle at fundraising ride for diabetes

Signature Event

Tour de Cure

Tour de Cure is the ADA's premiere cycling fundraising event. Join along with your friends, family, and colleagues as we ride in support of people living with diabetes.

Find Your Ride

Smiling group of African Americans at Step Out ADA Walk event

Give Your Time

Volunteer with the ADA

Join hundreds of thousands of ADA volunteers who are making a difference through community outreach, advocacy, and plain old inspiration.

Get Involved

What is the American Diabetes Association (ADA)?

The ADA is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. Here's how we do that.

Research

Leading the Charge of Diabetes Research

We are invested in providing innovative research to improve the lives of people living with diabetes. We bring together the brightest minds, publish the Standards of Care in Diabetes, and more.

See What We Do

Represent

Rallying Advocates for Our Cause

We fight for your right to adequate health care, affordable medication and insulin, fair treatment, and more. We provide a platform so your voice and your concerns can be heart by lawmakers.

Lend Your Voice

Resources

Your Journey with Diabetes is Never Alone

With guidance from trusted experts, our resources can help support diabetes management goals and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications

Discover Resources

Raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management in your community.
Host or participate in local events like Step Out® Walks, Tour de Cure®, or health fairs.
Use ADA’s ready-made resources and messages to promote healthy living and support fundraising efforts.
Connect with other leaders, faith-based organizations, and community partners who share your commitment to health access and equity.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in the fight against diabetes. Complete the short form to start your journey as a Community Ambassador.

CONFERENCE

Partnership in Action

The ADA engaged with attendees at the Delta Sigma Theta's 57^th National Convention and captured personal stories about living with diabetes. Hear from the voices who face diabetes daily.

health equity

Collegiate Ambassador Impact Report

The ADA Collegiate Ambassador Program brings student-activated platforms to college campuses to promote health literacy and raise awareness about diabetes in a socially and culturally relevant way.

Learn about our impact on college campuses in 2023–2024.

Download Now

Smiling group of African American men and women forming a circle and looking down at camera

Planning an Event

First step in planning an event is to determine the focus of your event. Explore programing ideas below in advocacy, food and nutrition, and health and wellness.

Fundraising

A “Do-It-Yourself” Fundraiser is any fundraising activity hosted by an individual or group to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association®. A DIY fundraiser can be anything—from game night to a yard sale to an athletic event or anything in between; fundraising ideas are as unique as the individual or group who establishes them!

Here are steps to start a successful fundraising campaign:

Do something you already love or challenge yourself by trying something new. We provide you with easy, online fundraising tools to make you a fundraising pro.

Game night
Running
Proceeds from a yard sale
Social media campaign

Select a day that works for you and your participants. Make a solid plan and make sure it doesn’t compete with other major events happening in your area.

Create and customize your fundraising page to showcase your event and set your fundraising goal.

Use the outreach tools to recruit participants and support via email, social media, and more.

Track your progress and record any expenses associated with your event. Review and reach out to potential funding sources in your community and social network.

Communication Tips

Use these communication tips to help your community and advance the fight to end diabetes.

First educate yourself on diabetes. Then educate your community

Host informal sessions with your friends, family, or community.

Always refer individuals to a health care professional for diagnosis, treatment, or specific health information. Never guess or exaggerate facts and speak plainly. Talking about health can be intimidating. Try your best to create a safe space for judgment-free conversation.

Use the resources provided in this toolkit or find more at diabetes.org and diabetesfoodhub.org.

For questions and support, contact the ADA Center for Information at 1-800-DIABETES (342-2382) or email [email protected].

Advocacy Flyers and Posters for Your Event

Download and print these resources to spread awareness and provide education about diabetes at your community events.

Smiling young African American Woman in bright yellow shirt

Advocacy

Become an Advocate

We need everyone to join us!

Download Poster

Smiling young African American physician at desk with clip board

Advocacy

Become an HCP Advocate

Legislators need to hear from health care providers.

Download Poster

Attorney at laptop behind brass scales of justice

Advocacy

Heath Care Professional Legal Network

Join the ADA’s HCP legal advocacy network.

Download Poster

Young defiant Latina with raised fist and megaphone

Advocacy

Fight Discrimination

Help people with diabetes fight discrimination.

Download Flyer

Middle aged woman checking her cgm with phone

Advocacy

Continuous Glucose Monitors

ADA is a leader in advocating for access to technology for people with diabetes.

Download Banner

Advocacy

Amputation Prevention Alliance

Disrupt the curve of amputations among people with diabetes.

Download Banner

Heavy African American woman holding measuring tape around her waist

Advocacy

Obesity Treatment

Join the fight for obesity treatment access.

Download Poster

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

This toolkit was developed with the strategic thought partnership of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated as a way to create widespread opportunity for community members to champion work in support of the mission of the American Diabetes Association®.

ADA Community Ambassador Toolkit