What does an advocate do?

A lupus advocate educates government officials about lupus and its consequences to ensure that proper resources will be made available to find the causes and cure for lupus and help those with the disease.

Whether through a letter, fax, email, phone call, or face-to-face meeting with your U.S. representative or senators, you can help get action on legislation important to people with lupus. Make no mistake about it; your voice does make a difference.

Who can be an advocate?

You don't have to be an expert in government affairs. Just share your knowledge about lupus. Tell your elected officials that they need to take action now to address this urgent national health problem.

We need you, your family, friends, co-workers, and physicians to contact Congress and urge elected officials to support legislation important to lupus patients and their families.

How can I learn how to advocate?

The Lupus Foundation of America created the Legislative Action Center to keep you informed. In this section you can:

• Identify members of Congress who represent you in Washington.
• Read legislative alerts about new bills or upcoming votes.
• Join our e-Advocates mailing list to receive regular updates or action alerts.
• Learn the status of key bills in Congress.
• See how your representative or senators voted on critical lupus issues.
• Send e-mail messages or letters to your elected officials in Washington.
• Learn how Congress works and how you can influence their decisions.