Over the past year I have had the pleasure to hear from educators across the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Some, want to help, but are unsure what opportunities are available outside of leadership board positions. One such way is the College Diabetes Network- CDN Ambassador Program. I became involved with the CDN because I have a passion for the mentorship of young adults. They also have great recourses for our clinics and conferences! The program’s aim is to provide as much student support as possible to all the chapters located near the ambassadors in Pennsylvania and Delaware. I would like to see a minimum of one Diabetes Educator CDN Ambassador for each peer-led campus chapter. CDN is looking for those that have a passion and dedication for helping. If there are not any chapters within the set parameters, they will be sure to update you with chapter additions. I believe the CDN Ambassador may find themselves supporting the development of new chapters when absent on campuses near them. Unfortunately, when I joined the Ambassador Program there were no local chapters for me to work with so I'm hoping to be an advisor in the development of three new CDN local chapters for 2019 forming in the Pittsburgh area!
CDN Ambassadors act as a local resource for CDN Chapters to provide support, assistance, and a friendly face. Some of the things ambassadors do include:
-Cook meals for local chapters
-Act as an emergency contact for members
-Help host Chapter meetings
-Help to spread the word about CDN to local organizations, hospitals, clinics and to the community
-Participate in Chapter event as a co-host, guest speaker or simply an advisor
-Start a fundraising campaign to keep all CDN chapters free and accessible
Contact the College Diabetes Network directly so they can help you with the necessary connections. Thank you in advance for helping contribute to the CDN Ambassador Program and serving as a fervent resource for the students! https://collegediabetesnetwork.org. Please share any experiences you have with the CDN by responding to this blog.