In the Advocacy Spirit

Last time this year, I was not in the advocacy spirit; I was going through burnout and honestly just didn't want to yell to the world, "I'm diabetic!" If you're in that boat right now, don't feel bad. Everyone goes through it and I totally get it. Advocacy for an entire month is overwhelming, to say the least. This year, I'm ready to jump back in to the advocacy game. It probably helps that I've been gone for months, but I ready to wear blue on Fridays, post photos on Instagram on the daily, and talk it up about diabetes all month long. I can guarantee that I won't be blogging every day because I don't have the time to write actual blog posts daily. (College applications, standardized tests, and school can be to blame for that) Either way, I'm going to be more present this month and tell anyone that wants (or doesn't) to listen about diabetes because it's important and here until there's a cure.

If you're looking for somewhere to start, advocacy wise check out some of these websites:

• T1D Looks Like Me // A JDRF initiative that requires a simple selfie and a quick filter to show that there is no specific person that looks diabetic. They are also hosting meetups throughout the US during November for Diabetes Awareness month
• Beyond Type 1 //  A social media based advocacy platform with ideas for fundraising, advocacy, and resources for any diabetic in the modern age.
• #DiabadassChallenge // An Instagram challenge for November centered around diabetes, which is great way to educate others about diabetes while also helping you find other diabetics by simply searching through the hashtag.
• World Diabetes Day // The IDF's yearly campaign focused on diabetes awareness and advocacy. A great place for so much information about diabetes and advocacy that your head might explode!
• Blogs // Blogs are great places to find inspiration for advocacy. A few of my favorites are Six Until Me, Diabetesaliciousness, Texting My Pancreas, Coffee & Insulin, and Very Light, No Sugar.

I hope you are as excited as I am for this month!