Why Advocate? – Ashley Boynes |

Why advocate? You’re just one voice, after all. You won’t be heard.

… or will you?

Arthritis affects 22% of the United States population. That’s over 50 million adults and over 300,000 children.

Still thinking you won’t be heard? Think again.

Last week was the Advocacy Summit. Arthritis patients and advocates of all ages stormed Captiol Hill demanding that their voices be heard – and they were!

Many met with their state representatives in person, wrote to them, or, attended the “Virtual Summit” online. You can still watch a video on Summit TV here, on demand.

If you weren’t able to attend, no worries! You can still speak your peace by emailing or writing to Congress. See the links below for the priorities that the Arthritis Foundation urges advocates to focus upon.

There are many more areas, too, that require legislative action and funding. YOUR problems and opinions are important, and your voice is needing to be heard. Your ideas for enhancing the arthritis advocacy agenda are welcome! Send your thoughts to advocacy@arthritis.org. You can also follow @AFAdvocacy, @Arthritis_org, and @MidAtlanticAF on Twitter to keep up with the latest.

So, let’s do it! For every kid dealing with Juvenile Arthritis, from every person, man, woman, or child, living with Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, or one of the other 117 types of arthritis – speak on their behalf! Also, don’t forget to check out our photos from the Summit as well as news about upcoming walks and events on our Facebook page, here.

Don’t be shy – participate and change the world from your laptop!

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes