Storytelling serves as the bridge that connects us to our issues and infuses humanity into our legislative challenges.

This training is your roadmap to utilizing storytelling as a powerful tool in your interactions with legislators. It empowers you to craft compelling narratives that resonate, whether you’re engaging in a brief encounter or a more extended discussion. Mastering the art of the elevator pitch is key to effective advocacy, enabling you to seize fleeting opportunities or navigate time constraints when engaging with your Representative, Senator, or their staff.

Watch the training here.

This social media training aims to equip kidney health advocates with the tools and knowledge needed to transition from passive supporters to influential voices within the kidney health community.  Participants will learn how to leverage social media platforms effectively to raise awareness, drive engagement, and effect positive change in the kidney space.

Watch the training here. 

This training video designed to equip advocates with the knowledge and tools necessary to champion our legislative agenda at the upcoming Kidney Patient Summit. In this video, we will delve into the core components of our advocacy strategy, highlighting key legislative priorities aimed at advancing kidney health and living organ donation.

Watch the training here. 

Follow these tips to make sure your social media presence during the Kidney Patient Summit has the strongest impact.

• Follow the National Kidney Foundation on whatever social media channels you use and be sure to engage with posts that speak to your kidney journey.
  • Twitter (Advocacy)
  • Twitter (NKF)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn
• Whenever appropriate, tag your lawmakers in your posts (such as when thanking them for meeting with you, after you’ve emailed them about a key issue, etc.). You can also identify your hometown and mention that you’re a constituent to identify yourself as a resident in their district or state.
• Add photos and videos of your visits with lawmakers (with their permission). See tips below.
• Tweet at your legislator using the hashtag #MyKidneyVoice and mention one of the following statistics:
  • An estimated 37 million Americans have kidney disease.
  • 90% of Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease are unaware they have it.
  • Medicare spends $90,000/year per kidney patient.
  • More than 560,000 Americans are on dialysis.
  • Approximately 100,000 Americans are waiting for a transplant.
• Or use the state-specific fact sheets available via the map toward the bottom of our advocacy website.
• Use the hashtag #MyKidneyVoice whenever you post about your advocacy activities.

We encourage you to take pictures and/or videos when participating in advocacy events. Make sure your lawmakers provide permission to take and share photos or video of your meeting.

Photo Tips

For the best quality photos, follow these tips:

• Make sure the subject is fully in frame.
• It’s okay to take photos vertically or horizontally – whichever makes you more comfortable.
• If you’re taking a photo of yourself:
  • Hold the phone slightly above your eye level and face it at your head, shoulders, and upper torso.
  • Have the light source behind the phone so your face is illuminated. Be mindful of reflections if you wear glasses, though. Sitting with a light source 45 degrees to one side of you can help eliminate reflections in your glasses.
  • Consider wearing orange or NKF branding.

If you’re struggling with what type of photo to take, consider writing a short advocacy message on a piece of paper and take a photo while holding the paper. Keep your message short and simple.

Video Tips

For the best video quality, follow these tips:

• Record in a quiet space. If you can hear noises, they will be recorded in the video.
• Face a light source. A window or lamp in front of you can help improve video quality. Be mindful of reflections if you wear glasses, though. Sitting with a light source 45 degrees to one side of you can help eliminate reflections in your glasses.
• Position camera for optimal framing. Your head, shoulders, and upper
  torso should be in frame.
• It’s okay to film vertical or horizontal – whichever makes you more comfortable. Speak directly to the camera.
• Keep the video short. Unless you’re sharing a longer story, try to keep under a minute.
• End with a call-to-action such as “Learn more about the Living Donor Protection Act” or “Share this video with your Representative.” It’s also helpful to plan out the general idea of what you will be saying to ensure you keep your words concise.

If you’re struggling with what to say on video, consider answering one of the following questions:

• Why did you decide to become an advocate?
• What issues are important for you?
• What do you want lawmakers to know about kidney care?

The Whova app is an event management and networking platform that we are utilizing for the KPS. It offers a range of features designed to enhance your experience!

1. Stay Updated on the Go: With Whova, you’ll have all the event details at your fingertips. From the agenda to speaker bios and venue maps, everything you need to navigate the event will be easily accessible on your phone.

2. Connect with Fellow Participants: Whova isn’t just about logistics; it’s about building connections. By downloading the app, you’ll be able to connect with other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors who share your interests. Networking has never been easier!

3. Personalize Your Experience: No two attendees have the same preferences, and Whova recognizes that. You can tailor your event experience by selecting sessions, bookmarking exhibitors, and setting reminders for events you don’t want to miss.

4. Engage and Interact: Whova isn’t just a passive tool; it’s interactive. Get ready to participate in live polls, Q&A sessions, and discussions. Your engagement adds depth to the event and makes it a truly collaborative experience.

So, don’t miss out! Download Whova now to make the most of your time at the event. It’s your all-in-one companion for seamless navigation, meaningful connections, and active participation.

Watch the video user guide here.

Prefer to read it instead? Click here!

Questions about your schedule? Check out this video from our friends at Advocacy Associates to to learn how to navigate the scheduling and meeting management site. You will also find links to meeting materials and the meeting report-back forms on their site.

Watch the video here.