The PKD Foundation’s Advocacy Champions Network (ACN) is a group of PKD community members from across the U.S. engaged in formal advocacy efforts with federal policymakers. Members of the ACN are hand-picked to share their personal stories and advance the legislative priorities of the PKD community. After completing training courses on topics like Congress and the media, our champions will participate in formal PKD Advocacy hill days and routine outreach to their Congressional representatives. We are focused on advocating for federal funding through multiple avenues to improve the lives of the PKD community. Check out our recent blog to learn more.
Why the Advocacy Champions Network?
With so many groups competing for the attention of Congress and regulators, it’s critical for the PKD community to voice our legislative priorities as a united collective. The PKD Foundation dedicates resources to ensuring Congress and federal agencies are aware of the nuanced needs of the PKD community, with the goal of promoting legislation, regulation and federal funding opportunities.
The PKD Foundation’s advocacy with Congress and federal agencies is an annual cycle that rewards consistent, regular outreach and the development of years-long relationships with bipartisan legislators from a variety of districts. PKDF advocacy efforts engage more than 35,000 advocates across 49 states and the District of Columbia. Even if you are not participating in the ACN in this cycle, we encourage advocates across the country to write letters to and meet with their representatives because it really does make a significant difference.
