FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I apply for Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress?
The Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress online application will be open from early September through November in 2022. Follow Breakthrough T1D Advocacy on social media and visit cc.jdrf.org for more information as it becomes available.

When and where will Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress be held?
Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress will be held in downtown Washington, D.C. in June 2023. Breakthrough T1D’s COVID-19 protocol for in-person events will apply for all attendees. Given the fluid landscape around variants and vaccine availability for youth, please stay tuned for updates in this FAQ.

When and how will I learn if my child has been chosen as a Children’s Congress Delegate?
Each application is carefully reviewed by volunteer committee members, and once Delegates have been selected, notification letters will be mailed in February 2023 (please note that this date is subject to change). Each family who applied for Children’s Congress will receive a notification letter.

What is the Breakthrough T1D Volunteer Selection Committee looking for in applicants to Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress?
The Breakthrough T1D Volunteer Selection Committee is looking for a cross-section of youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) across the country who are highly engaged in the many facets of Breakthrough T1D, with an emphasis on advocacy involvement. Delegates (or a parent in the case of small children) must be willing to share their compelling story about life with T1D and their interest in Breakthrough T1D’s mission of creating a world without type 1 diabetes. T1D youth ages 4 – 17 (at the time of the event) are eligible to apply.

What are the chances of being selected as a Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress Delegate?
For each biennial event, Breakthrough T1D receives more than 1,000 applications for Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress, while approximately 160 applicants will be selected as Delegates. Many children will apply more than once before being selected as a Delegate. Prior to applying, and in some cases reapplying, families are encouraged to advocate for Breakthrough T1D back in their home state through the Breakthrough T1D ‘Promise to Remember Me’ campaign and other Advocacy efforts, such as the Breakthrough T1D ‘Youth Advocacy Leader’ (YAL) Program. ‘Promise to Remember Me’ is extremely important to Breakthrough T1D’s legislative policy success and gives everyone an opportunity to help while showing a commitment to Breakthrough T1D Advocacy’s mission the next time they apply. If not selected for Children’s Congress, please do not feel disheartened as this is a very competitive and selective process. Please consider applying again for the next event and participate in Breakthrough T1D One Walks, Rides, Galas, TypeOneNation Summits, and other Breakthrough T1D community events in the meantime.

What is the role of a Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress Delegate?
Selected Delegates and one parent/guardian per Delegate must attend Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. in June 2023. Delegates will be asked to make local media appearances, complete tasks relating to Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress before, during, and after the event, interact with other Delegates, visit Capitol Hill to meet with national lawmakers and staff, and spread Breakthrough T1D’s mission of creating a world without type 1 diabetes.

Will Delegates have responsibilities once Breakthrough T1D 2023 Children’s Congress is completed?
Delegates should stay connected with Breakthrough T1D’s Advocacy efforts by participating in the Breakthrough T1D ‘Promise to Remember Me’ campaign and ‘New Member Outreach Initiative’ – where Delegates will have an opportunity to meet with Federal legislators locally, in their home states and district offices – and other local Breakthrough T1D Chapter events. Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress is a competitive program and those selected as Delegates should view their time as their Breakthrough T1D Chapter’s Delegate as a platform for recruiting new advocates, spreading Breakthrough T1D Advocacy’s mission, and getting their community involved in communicating with their Members of Congress