Advocacy Month 2022 will take place virtually throughout the month of May, kicking off Monday, May 2.
Advocacy Month is a nationwide advocacy effort to connect people with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other chronic illnesses; scientists; clinicians and caregivers to share their unique stories with Congress. Our ultimate goal is to make ME/CFS and other post-infection diseases widely understood, diagnosable, and treatable.
A very special thanks to our sponsor, Rare Diseases Legislative Advocates, for their translation support and to our partners: Body Politic, #MEAction, Patient-Led Research Collaborative., Long Covid Families, COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project, AmeriDisability, and Marked by COVID.
There are actions for every energy level and ability to join, from social media posts to virtual meeting with Congressional leaders. Below you’ll find key dates and registration links. Please note that registration for Congressional meetings is closed. Click here for a full calendar of events.
May 2: Advocacy Month Kickoff
May 4: Remote Congressional Meeting Training
May 10: US House of Representatives
May 11: US House of Representatives
May 12: World ME Day
May 17: US Senate
May 19: Long Covid — Research, Policy and Economic Impact (In-Person Event)
May 26: EmPOWER M.E.
Check out these special resources for participants:
This year, we have TWO main asks of the House and Senate chambers of Congress:
HOUSE:
SENATE:
The CARE for Long Covid Act (S 3726) is a companion piece to the COVID-19 Long Haulers Act (HR 2754).
For more details on these bills, click here, and use our Action Center to contact your elected officials.
No. Due to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Advocacy Month 2022 will take place completely online and through virtual meetings.
No experience? No problem! We will ensure every team includes an experienced advocate able to assist and answer questions. One of the benefits in participating in Advocacy Days is the opportunity to learn from Solve M.E. staff and other experienced advocates. Don’t forget to save the date for Congressional Meeting Training on May 4.
You can represent up to THREE different congressional districts — yours and two others — during your visit. This can include family members, loved ones unable to self-advocate, or other people with ME/CFS you are authorized to represent. On the registration form, there is a space to add the address to represent others. If you wish to represent more than one other person, please e-mail the additional names and addresses of the individuals you wish to represent to: nbecker@advocacyassociates.com
Our team will email your personalized meeting schedule no later than Friday May 6. It will include a link to the Advocacy Associates platform where you will find:
Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee meeting participation due to the potential size of some meetings. If we are unable to accommodate your meeting request, you will be notified by email no later than Friday May 6.
Your story and your experiences are powerful, and we need to make sure members of congress understand the unique needs of people impacted by ME/CFS, long COVID, and other post infection illnesses. Telling your story helps build a relationship and a connection; you have the power to make this issue personal and relatable.
After your meeting, these illnesses and our requests are associated with a real person with real needs. Your passion translates that experience into action! Your meeting transforms our cause from an impersonal issue to a real emotional experience, for which more federal support is warranted.
You should always call your member of congress – but not to schedule your Advocacy Day Congressional meeting.
Our partners at Advocacy Associates are providing all the logistical support to create your customized individual schedule which will be e-mailed directly to you. In order to avoid confusion, Advocacy Associates will handle all the scheduling details for you – so you are free to enjoy the experience of the day!
Please do not contact your member of congress about your meeting schedule, but feel free to contact them about other issues or requests.
Watch this short video tutorial on downloading Zoom to join a meeting. Test your system by joining a Zoom Test Meeting.
Feel free to email Samantha Erb, Virtual Training and Event Manager, at serb@solvecfs.org.
Check out these resources below from Solve M.E. Vice President of Advocacy & Engagement, Emily Taylor!
Your advocacy doesn’t end after Advocacy Month. Use our Advocacy Action Kit to stay involved year-round.
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