What is ACT?

• ACT are teams of Patient Ambassadors all residing in the same state who work together to further DPC’s advocacy agenda.
  • ACT participants continue their independent roles as Patient Ambassadors by attending monthly conference calls and completing monthly assignments, but they also work together when directed by DPC to:
    • Participate in organizing DPC advocacy days at the state Capital
    • Raise awareness about kidney disease and dialysis at local events in which DPC participates
    • Organize grassroots efforts by creating Advocacy Action Teams and getting those teams to participate in outreach to legislators when directed by DPC
    • Monitor and alert staff of local public policy issues impacting kidney patients

How does ACT work?

• Each ACT team will have a Leader that is selected by the staff at DPC.  This leader is the keeper of the team members contact information and the point of contact for staff.
• Each Patient Ambassador participating in ACT should create a list of family members, fellow dialysis patients and friends in their state who are interested in advocating for kidney patients – this list of willing advocates are referred to as your Advocacy Action Team.  Each Patient Ambassador on the ACT team will have his or her own Advocacy Action Team. These individuals should be willing to contact their legislators when a public policy issue impacting dialysis patients needs to be addressed.
  • Patient Ambassadors do not need to share the contact information of the Advocacy Action Teams with DPC or ACT Leaders (unless the person asks to join DPC), but they should keep a list of names and contact information in one location so they can easily and quickly reach out to them when a response is needed.
  • Patient Ambassadors should contact their Advocacy Action team members occasionally to ensure they are still willing to participate when a need arises.
  • DPC will activate an ACT team when an event is being planned in that state or when a public policy issue occurring at the state or federal level needs patients’ attention.
    • To activate a team DPC staff will contact the ACT Leader and ask that leader to contact the other Patient Ambassadors on the team to pass along the message.
    • Some teams will have periods of inactivity longer than others.  This is because there may not be as big of a need in that particular state to advocate.

How do I join ACT?

• All Patient Ambassadors can participate in their state’s ACT team, but you must be willing to share your contact information with your fellow Patient Ambassadors.
  • To join ACT, notify DPC in writing or by email that you are willing to share your contact information with other DPC Patient Ambassadors.
  • DPC will send you confirmation you have joined an ACT team and will provide you with your ACT Leader’s name and contact information.

Please feel free to call us toll free at 1.866.877.4242 if you have any questions about the new ACT program.