We hope you will apply to join us in educating members of Congress about important issues facing our community. This is your chance for your voice to be heard on Capitol Hill about the critical issues affecting the diabetes and obesity communities.
What is the ADA’s Call to Congress?
Every spring, the ADA’s Diabetes Advocates from across the country gather in Washington, DC, for Call to Congress. Participants learn about the key policy issues of importance and meet with members of Congress to:
- Talk about the impact of diabetes
- Share their personal stories
- Advocate for priorities like:
- Federal funding for diabetes research
- Insulin affordability
- Obesity
- Access to health care
- And more
Who can apply?
Adults living with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with diabetes (children with diabetes may accompany their parents/guardians), caregivers, health care team members, diabetes researchers, and countless others touched or impacted by diabetes are invited to apply. Congress needs to hear ALL our stories. Your voice is powerful and we hope to see you at Call to Congress 2025!
What happens during the in-person convening of Call to Congress?
Call to Congress’s in-person gathering is a two-day event in Washington, DC.
December 2, 2024—registration deadline
Monday, March 3, 2025—Onsite registration opens at 3 PM
Monday, March 3, 2025—Advocacy Training & Dinner—5 PM
Tuesday, March 4, 2025— Breakfast and Hill Day Schedule Review—8 AM
Tuesday, March 4, 2025—Group Photo & Capitol Hill Day Visits (late afternoon or evening departures)
How to Apply
Complete your application by December 2, 2024. The information you’ll need to complete the application for Call to Congress is below—make sure to read it all!
If you plan on bringing your child with diabetes who is 17 years or younger, you will need to list their name in your application.
If you plan on bringing/attending with a child who is 18 years or older, they must complete their own application. You should both indicate that a family member has also applied by including their first and last name as part of your responses to the application question, If you have an adult child/parent that has also applied for Call to Congress, please provide their first and last name.
Expenses covered by the ADA:
- Air/rail travel
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals during the event, except Tuesday dinner
Expenses covered by Call to Congress attendees:
- Anything not covered above
Still have questions? See the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Your voice is powerful. Your collective advocacy brings about true change that will move the nation closer to our mission: To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Be on the lookout for more information about how you can get involved in Call to Congress and join this important initiative! We encourage you to engage on social media now by using #ADACall2Congress. If you have any questions after reading the FAQs, please contact RaiseYourVoice@diabetes.org.
P.S. The diabetes community needs people to raise their voices more than ever before. Help us spread the word—ask your friends and family to sign up to be Diabetes Advocates at diabetes.org/Advocacy.
