My story. My elected officials. My opportunity to make an impact on Capitol Hill.
Advocate Dona Jones meets with Congresswoman Christensen at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s 2009 Advocacy Day.
This summer, join the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and ovarian cancer advocates on Capitol Hill as we march through the halls of Congress and let our needs be heard. Despite the concerted efforts of hundreds of advocates from across the nation, Congress continues to cut funding for ovarian cancer research programs that work to finding a screening test and new treatments. Federal programs designed to spread awareness of ovarian cancer continue to see little, if any, increases in federal funding.
When you meet with your elected officials, you will represent not only yourself and your unique story but also other women from your community who are unable to be in Washington. Your participation in Advocacy Day will allow your elected officials and their staff to get to know you and witness your passion for increasing ovarian cancer research funding and awareness efforts.
When and where does Advocacy Day 2010 take place?
Advocacy Day 2010 will be on July 13, 2010. This is an all day event starting early in the morning and ending early evening.
This event coincides with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s Annual Conference which takes place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information about the Conference, please contact Liz White, Director of Events, at lwhite@ovariancancer.org.
What will I be doing?
You will be meeting with your Congressperson from the House of Representatives and your two Senators. These meetings will be scheduled in advanced by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, so there is no work for you to do.
All details have yet to be confirmed, but a tentative schedule is as follows:
1) The evening before Advocacy Day, you receive training and materials to help you with your meetings. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have and will meet other advocates going with you to Capitol Hill.
2) The next morning, you will be driven by bus to Capitol Hill to attend your three meetings.
3) After your meetings, there is a casual and often lively debriefing session where advocates share what happened throughout their day.
I have no background in politics and government. Should I still come?
You do not need to have any knowledge of how government works to have a successful meeting with your elected officials. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance will give you all the training you need prior to Advocacy Day.
Do you have questions about Advocacy Day 2010? If so, contact David Zook at dzook@ovariancancer.org
Photo courtesy of Duane Stork.
