Come to Washington and make change in how eating disorders are treated, researched, and understood!

We all complain about lack of public understanding, quality of treatment, lack of research, and insurance coverage here in the U.S. but what are you DOING about it?

Well someone with a track record of success, a lot of savvy, and a large coalition of support IS doing something about it and they do so with our help:

The Eating Disorders Coalition is that someone. I have volunteered with them and F.E.A.S.T. is a member because EDC is doing excellent work and has for many years. They're skilled, they're focused, and they're savvy: they KNOW the way things work and they have steadily improved the government's understanding of the issues. They are well-known, too, because they have worked so successfully with staff and Congress-members and other organizations. Because they are a coalition of a diverse range of groups and individuals they are about real change, not self-interest.

My daughter and I have both lobbied with EDC, and I'm a big supporter, I've even served proudly as Team Leader for the Virginia team. Jeanine Cogan and Kathleen MacDonald spoke at the F.E.A.S.T. symposium about the empowering effect of activism.



The next Lobby Day has just been scheduled for April 24, and want you to come to Lobby Day. Bring family members, bring a best friend, add a day to see spring in the Capitol. You will get more out of it than you give, but you are needed. Each person who goes is escorted with their group to their own legislator's office where you need not be an expert in anything but your own story. Real people telling their story has the power to change legislation - I've seen this. I've seen staffers tear up, make decisions on the spot, and become ongoing allies to the cause on the basis of ONE 15-minute meeting. You matter: come to Washington!


Comments

  1. thank you, Laura.
    I was about to type a long and gushing thank you --but words fail to capture my gratitude for your support.
    never doubt that you are a special gift to this world, ~Kathleen

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    1. Silly rabbit! It is all of US who thank YOU!

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  2. I wish I could be there! Now that I'm in the country I'm hoping to come to many more events but I have class during this time and I'm taking Public Policy classes so I am better prepared for this stuff in the future! Thank you for raising awareness, as always.

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    1. Lucy, EDC holds two Lobby Days a year, so I hope you'll get to the next one. Meanwhile, make sure to join the EDC and watch their blog and Facebook page - they have action alerts that citizens can get involved with and will keep you informed about what's happening "on the Hill."

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  3. I really like your blog and your way of thinking the subject.
    So please don't misunderstand me.

    There's one thing I have to say: I do believe all eating disordered people in the world should must get good treatment, based on good science. This has to happen. People cannot remain unassisted. Still, I think you (and others) should get some perspective. There are people around the world that won't ever get qualified treatment. Not even unqualified treatment. There are people around the world whose parents do not want to know about them or help them out. So, I know insurances won't cover what is needed, I know the fact there are a lot of unqualified people trying to convince everyone they can help, I know it sucks. And, again, don't get me wrong, these things are really worse fighting against.
    But I'm bulimic, I'm brazilian and I've tried every single doctor in my hometown, or further. They just don't know it. Some has suggested me to diet. I do think it must be better for everyone, but, you know, you're blessed at some points. You have far more resources than any other people in the world. It is important to aknowledge that.

    I'm sorry for any english mistakes, it is not my native language.

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    1. I acknowledge and appreciate what you are saying.

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  4. *really are worth fighting against.
    That's what I meant, please read that way. Thank you

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