What exactly is the You Can Do This Project?
You Can Do This is a growing community of videos, created by and for people with diabetes, with the aim of providing validation, hope and encouragement through honest talk for those who struggle with the disease.
Who should participate in the You Can Do This Project?
Anyone affected by diabetes. Type 1, type 2, LADA. Parents of children with diabetes. Grandparents. Significant others. Everyone.
So how do I participate?
Record a video of you telling your story. Talk about how hard it was to be a teen with diabetes, or how college life and diabetes didn’t co-exist well. Share how you felt when you were diagnosed as an adult. Let other parents know the spectrum of emotions, fears, and triumphs you’ve had. If you’ve dealt with depression, burn out, or denial, tell others so they can know that they aren’t the only ones on that road.
(Note: as with all things on the internet, please share at your own risk – these videos divulge health information, and much like toothpaste from a tube, once it’s out… it’s out for good.)
Video isn’t really my thing. Can I still participate?
If video isn’t an option for you, feel free to write a blog post, do a podcast, or whatever works for you instead. Please include a link to your submission on the YCDT list, alongside the videos – but please indicate your medium in the “Link Title” field. (For example, you could title it: You Can Do This – A Blog Post by ___.)
Where do I put my video/how do I share it?
Starting on June 15th, 2011, upload your video to YouTube (you’ll need to set up an account, if you don’t have one already) and add yourself to The List, which can be found by clicking the “Link List” tab on this site.
How long/short should my video be?
Videos should be as short or long as you want them to be, in order to properly tell your story. Utilize art, photos, or music (but obey copyright laws, please) to help illustrate your points. Do whatever will help you tell your story in a way that feels comfortable to you.
How do I find others’ videos?
Browse the You Can Do This link list. Look through our YouTube channel‘s “favorites” list, check our Facebook page, or search the hashtag #YouCanDoThisProject on Twitter.
How long is this project going on?
The launch date is June 15th, 2011. There is no “end” date.
