Last week I attended #MasterLab, an advocacy event put on by Diabetes Hands Foundation through their Diabetes Advocates program. Overall the day was a spectacular success. Throughout this week, I will release reflections on specific talks. For now, a general overview of the event with gratitude toward the organization that made it all happen.
Brief Recap:
Not only did this advocate-centered event provide vital advocacy information about clinical trials, workplace protection laws, and legislation practices, but also gave time to discuss critical aspects of DOING the work, like prioritizing self-care, and being bold in the ask process. On top of covering a wide range of topics, MasterLab attendees were provided Advocacy Plan workbooks to begin PHYSICALLY drafting a personal advocacy plan. AMAZING, right?! MasterLab wasn’t just about hearing the information, nor was it just about bringing everyone together to foster community-support and groundswell around individuals’ advocacy efforts. MasterLab was about providing a practical formula for generating plans of action. It was a truly masterful event (please excuse that dad-joke, I couldn’t help myself). I will be sharing the advocacy plan I wrote and shared while in attendance at MasterLab in the next few days.
Sincere Thanks:
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made MasterLab happen. Diabetes Hands Foundation, you continue to add so much value to the community. I thank you for making us, the advocates, your advocacy project. Our community is more equipped and more organized in our advocacy efforts because of the events and resources you provide. Thank you.
Also, there were many sponsors who funded MasterLab itself, and also forked over a chunk of change for many of the advocates in the room to be there. Bringing us all together is vital to our success, and I thank every single sponsor that contributed to our physical togetherness.
Last but not least, I want to thank all of the friends who offered hugs and support at MasterLab. My life is better because you are in it. The tribe we have all made and are part of keeps me going in my own self-management, research, career, sanity, the list goes on and on. Thank you for being you and for continuing to attend these in-person growth-inspiring events.
The Chronic Scholar 