Eating Disorders Coalition to Lobby on Capitol Hill

Forwarded in support of the work of the Eating Disorders Coalition

Join Us on Capitol Hill and Make a Difference - Come to the EDC Lobby Day, April 26th & 27th, 2010

Think only paid lobbyists can influence policy makers? Think again! As a constituent with an important message to share - you too can influence federal policy. Join the Eating Disorders Coalition for our April Lobby Day on Capitol Hill in Washington DC where your voice will make a difference. This is one of the most important events all year -- and an exciting opportunity to meet directly with your elected officials or their staff about legislation that will impact all those affected by eating disorders.

If this is your first time joining us don't worry; we'll prep you beforehand by teaching you about lobbying and what to expect We will also review the first ever comprehensive eating disorders bill in Congress: the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (the FREED Act) - for which we will advocate. This bill will provide research funding, prevention grants, and treatment options that will save lives! So there is no need to worry that you don't know what you are doing. During training you will be able to ask questions, practice lobbying and get comfortable speaking up before heading to the halls of Congress.

Hear it from the advocates first hand: "Lobbying on the hill September 24, 2009 was definitely an experience that I will never forget and one that I’m proud to say that I was a part of. I didn’t know what to expect going into the day and was put at ease with the help of the members of the EDC, group leaders and even the other first time lobbyists. The training sessions prior to lobbying were helpful to understand how to effectively lobby and what it all entailed. We were able to role play sitting with Members of Congress to clarify what we were going to say and how the meeting would operate. . .

Fortunately, the responses we received in each of the meetings were positive for the most part. We were even able to convince Keith Ellison to co-sponsor the FREED Act before leaving his office. [How great] to see that kind of response and know that your words are truly making an impact." RSVP today to make this kind of impact.

"Thank you for organizing such a great Lobby Day, I was really impressed by the number and caliber of people who took part. I am looking forward to getting even more involved with the EDC . . . I find the EDC so inspirational." - Jocelyn, April 2009 Lobby Day participant.