2017 Kids and Teen Advocacy Summit

More than 100 Kids and Teens to Meet with Members of Congress at Advocacy Summit

Arthritis is not just your grandparent’s disease, and at this year’s Advocacy Summit, our young participants will tell Members of Congress that kids get arthritis, too!

On March 6 and 7, more than 400 people affected by arthritis from all across the country will convene in Washington, DC, as part of the Arthritis Foundation’s 2017 Advocacy Summit.

Attendees will include an estimated 100 kids and teens who will participate in a special Kids and High School Summit track. Uniquely designed for kids/teens who are affected by juvenile arthritis and childhood rheumatic diseases, this track includes interactive activities that will empower them with the skills and confidence they need to raise awareness for the arthritis community, young and old, and help change perceptions of this disease. Then they will meet with Members of Congress, educating them about barriers to health care and motivating them to consider all people who live with arthritis when they design health care legislation.

“Advocates have enormous power,” said Congressional Arthritis Caucus Co-Chair and Founder, Rep. Anna Eshoo ( D-CA). “Your voices and arthritis stories help us better understand the impact of this disease and how we can make a difference.”

The Arthritis Foundation’s Junior Ambassador Program is for teens ages 13 to 17 who want to represent the estimated 300,000 kids in the U.S. who have juvenile arthritis and childhood rheumatic diseases and raise awareness by sharing their personal arthritis story. For kids and teens returning from the 2017 Advocacy Summit or others who want to get involved, this is a great way to learn how to advocate and participate in local and national activities. For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy & Access team at 202-887-2916 or advocacy@arthritis.org.

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