Advocacy

Regional Advocacy Councils

Local Diabetes Advocacy Opportunities

Regional Advocacy Councils (RACs) mobilize the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) advocates to support policy change benefiting people living with diabetes.

Sign Up Now
Mixed group of people sitting in a classroom having a discussion

What is an RAC?

RACs are region-based volunteer groups of advocates. When we need powerful voices, RACs are considered our first responders.

Who can join an RAC?

The amazing thing about RACs is that they are a representation of all parts of the diabetes community. Diabetes impacts nearly everyone in the U.S., and we want to make sure all viewpoints have a voice! 

The ADA’s RACs often include: 

  • People living with any type of diabetes
  • People who are at risk for developing diabetes or have prediabetes
  • Parents, caregivers, and other family members of those living with diabetes
  • Healthcare professionals 
  • Researchers 
  • And more

RAC Members Create Local Change

When you become an RAC member, you’ll be well-positioned to use your voice, your position, and your network to advocate for the rights and needs of people with diabetes. RAC members get the latest advocacy news and are the first to know about invitations and breaking updates from the ADA. They are asked for help when it matters most.

Become an RAC Member

RAC members are the first to be invited to speak with lawmakers, join virtual events, talk with the media about diabetes priorities, and more. If you are looking for a new way to support the diabetes community, sign up today and share this opportunity with your family and friends!

RACs convene virtually on a quarterly basis to receive important updates and information about high-impact advocacy opportunities. These meetings are interactive forums providing information on the progress of the ADA’s advocacy activities to advance favorable policy change for people living with diabetes. 

If you want to make a lasting impact, sign up to become an RAC member today. 

Smiling group of multi-racial friends

What to expect as an RAC member

  • Get exclusive updates on diabetes policy and funding efforts. 
  • Be first to know about key legislative actions impacting people living with diabetes. 
  • Connect with fellow advocates, including people living with diabetes, who share your commitment to making a difference. 
  • Be among the first invited to participate in special events.

Requirements and Expectations

  • Must already be signed up as an advocate. 
  • Must attend quarterly RAC meetings.
  • Must respond to ADA action alerts.
  • May assist with advocate recruitment at local events (optional).  
Smiling man leading group discussion

Find Your Local RAC

Each RAC is led by one of the ADA’s state government affairs directors. Find your region and get involved:

  • Eastern New England: ME, MA, NH, and RI 
  • Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: CT, DE, DC, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and VT 
  • Midwest:  IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI, TN, and WV
  • South Central and Southeast: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MO, MS, OK, SC, and TX 
  • California and Southwest: AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, NV, and UT
  • Northwest and North Central: AK, ID, KS, MN, MT, ND, NE, OR, SD, WA, and WY 

If you are passionate about making a difference for people living with diabetes in your community and are ready to encourage others to raise their voice for change, join us by signing up for a RAC today.

Sign up today