grassroots leaders advancing the interests of women with ovarian cancer
Welcome to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Grasstops Advocacy Program! Our Grasstops are an elite group of trained advocates who will become leaders in advancing the interest of women with ovarian cancer at the local, state and federal levels.
We are currently accepting applications to take part in the 2013 Grasstops Program. Read on to learn more about this program and how to apply.
How the program works: Individuals will receive training through webinars and written materials with the goals of 1) explaining the basics of effective advocacy 2) helping advocates get comfortable communicating with elected officials and their staff and 3) increasing advocates’ understanding of legislative issues important to the ovarian cancer community. Following training, the Alliance will periodically issue “calls to action.” These emails will provide instructions and support for trained advocates to carry out specific tasks, such as meeting with the staff of their elected officials to discuss pending legislation or request co-sponsorship. Unexpected legislative crises (such as a vote or impending deadline for signing a letter) may require Grasstops to take action on issues quickly by calling or emailing their elected officials.
Organization of Program: The Alliance will provide opportunities for advocates to make visits, call or email their elected officials, as appropriate. Advocates can work independently but over time will begin to coordinate efforts with other advocates in their district or state to form a network of like-minded grassroots volunteers. Advocates are asked to follow up with the Alliance to report outcomes of their interactions with their elected officials.
Duties of advocates: Grasstops will act to advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer by:
- Contacting and building relationships with their elected officials and elected officials’ staff
- Sending out calls to action in their community
- Serving as a “whip” to follow up with offices who have failed to fulfill Grasstops’ requests
- Working with the Alliance to organize local meetings
- Expanding the network of local advocates to increase the ovarian cancer community’s advocacy presence in a particular state or district
- Maintaining a log of advocacy efforts and goals; advocates are expected to commit to at least 5 hours per month
Who can participate: This program is open to any person, male or female, who seeks to advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer. No experience is necessary. While everyone is welcome to participate, our 2013 program will be limited to 20 Grasstops with a focus on those whose elected officials sit on the Appropriations Committee. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse candidates or parties. The Alliance is looking for a bipartisan mix of advocates.
How to join the Grasstops Advocacy Program:
Click here to complete our online application. The deadline to apply for our 2013 program is Friday, December 14, 2012.
Once selected, Grasstops Advocates will be given specialized training and will begin to receive targeted opportunities for action.
Click here for a complete list of Grasstops Advocates’ obligations, as well as rewards offered to advocates who complete these requirements.
