<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> GIG is gearing up to do Advocacy work in Washington, DC in March. We participate in two advocacy efforts in DC and invite you to join us. When we are in DC, we are there, working with other organizations wanting similar results from congress. Often our efforts focus on asking that funding for NIH research continue to be supported and requesting support for health care and patient rights initiatives. We also have a chance to share information about our specific disease and how people with this disease benefit from the measures we are asking them to support. During each of the two advocacy efforts, participants learn how to be effective as an advocate. Teamwork and everyone sending the same message is vital. March 10 and 11, 2003 - GIG will attend NIAMS Days. At this time, we advocate for persons with dermatitis herpetiformis. We show the connection to other diseases of the skin or conditions associated with the National Institutes for Arthritis, Muscular and Skin diseases. March 23 and 24, 2003 representatives from CDF, CSA, and Amer. Celiac Society will join GIG for DDNC Public Policy Forum. Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) consists of organizations, professional groups and industry with interest in digestive diseases. At this time, our focus of information relates to celiac disease. While there are no measures before congress that are specific to CD or DH, it is important to add our voice to the others telling congress the patient bill of rights, right to access of care and confidentiality, etc., is important. As well, it is important that we have representatives from as many states as possible. We team up with people representing other diseases from our states. If we do not have a representative, our story is not heard. Kids of all ages are welcome. If you are interested in attending either of these advocacy efforts, please send your name, phone and mailing contact information to [log in to unmask] We will send you information that is more specific. We also work with the organizers to assure GF meals are offered as part of the program. I hope to see you in Washington, DC in March. Cynthia Kupper, RD, CD Executive Director Gluten Intolerance Group 206-246-6652 206-246-6531 Fax www.gluten.net * Send administrative questions to [log in to unmask] *