When I wrote my original blog of suggestions for World Diabetes Day, I never imagined the feedback I would receive. I expected some objections to my wanting to cancel some building lighting, but this did not seem to bother most people.
To date, I have received one tentative support email that said the USA was not ready for this yet. Two people seemed very much identical in their thoughts about where I should put my suggestions – in a place where the sun doesn't shine. Two other emails had other ideas and that we should worry about our own people in need of diabetes supplies before helping people outside this country.
The sixth email bothers me the most. It used language that is not printable and some that I have not heard since the days before Martin Luther King. This talk reminded me of a few types of individuals dishonorably discharged from the military for their racial hatred and white supremacy views. I did not like it then, and I don't like it now.
So for putting the suggestions out in a blog, I had not expected this type of opposition and feelings, but so be it. That we have this type of people in the USA is not a surprise and even that they are so selfish and self-centered. That they would email me is also not a surprise as I asked for them, and I am very sure they used temporary email addresses to avoid return emails as those I have sent did not go and returned error messages.
Six emails and no comments until August 8, tells me what people think and feel about IDF and helping them. A sad feeling for me. I can only do so much as one individual, but I will do it just the same. I am more encouraged now after a few comments from others in the DOC.
Since writing this I have had two other emails, while not totally positive, were somewhat encouraging, but doubted that with the current economy there would be much support for organizations like the IDF or even ADA after receiving the email from the ADA expressing so much fear for what was going to happen to those receiving Medicare and Medicaid. Read my blog here.
Showing posts with label World Diabetes day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Diabetes day. Show all posts
09 August 2011
05 July 2011
Suggestions for World Diabetes Day
Many are not even aware of World Diabetes Day around the world. Since the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was good enough to address those in attendance at the 2011 Roche Social Media Summit and took some flack for this, I have some suggestions for the diabetes online community (DOC) for the 2011 World Diabetes day activities.
This is only a suggestion, but may give us more ideas that might help the IDF get more recognition in the USA and possibly accomplish some goals for the IDF. First, I suggest that those not receiving the IDF email newsletters go to the IDF website and subscribe. You may do so in the lower right corner of the home page. Yes, just like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the JDRF, they have a place for you to contribute and I am not asking you to do that, only if that is your desire.
Second, I suggest that everyone pick at least three or more newspapers in their area and write letters to the editors making them aware of World Diabetes Day and putting in a plug for the IDF. You may wish to have a listing for your blog site as well.
Third, we need to consider a campaign to encourage corporations and businesses to not spend the money for lighting up their buildings, but instead use the money saved over and above security lighting, to donate this to the IDF.
Fourth, a letter writing campaign to the pharmaceutical companies to contribute matching monies or value in products to the IDF.
Can this be accomplished – I believe so, but it is going to take everyone to actively participate and to spread the word to the international diabetes online community and enlist their help.
Let's forget the feel-good activities that did nothing to help those in need on previous World Diabetes days, and work for something that could benefit people this year. For those that wish only to participate in ADA and JDRF activities, you still should be able to do something, but let's make this a World Diabetes Day to remember.
My email address (or contact) is available on my profile page. These are just a few of the ideas and I am sure that can be others, so don't hesitate to bring them forward.
This is only a suggestion, but may give us more ideas that might help the IDF get more recognition in the USA and possibly accomplish some goals for the IDF. First, I suggest that those not receiving the IDF email newsletters go to the IDF website and subscribe. You may do so in the lower right corner of the home page. Yes, just like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the JDRF, they have a place for you to contribute and I am not asking you to do that, only if that is your desire.
Second, I suggest that everyone pick at least three or more newspapers in their area and write letters to the editors making them aware of World Diabetes Day and putting in a plug for the IDF. You may wish to have a listing for your blog site as well.
Third, we need to consider a campaign to encourage corporations and businesses to not spend the money for lighting up their buildings, but instead use the money saved over and above security lighting, to donate this to the IDF.
Fourth, a letter writing campaign to the pharmaceutical companies to contribute matching monies or value in products to the IDF.
Can this be accomplished – I believe so, but it is going to take everyone to actively participate and to spread the word to the international diabetes online community and enlist their help.
Let's forget the feel-good activities that did nothing to help those in need on previous World Diabetes days, and work for something that could benefit people this year. For those that wish only to participate in ADA and JDRF activities, you still should be able to do something, but let's make this a World Diabetes Day to remember.
My email address (or contact) is available on my profile page. These are just a few of the ideas and I am sure that can be others, so don't hesitate to bring them forward.
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