My story. My elected officials. My opportunity to make a difference on Capitol Hill.

Ovarian cancer survivors from Arizona meet with Congressional staffers

This summer, join the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and scores of advocates on Capitol Hill as we raise our voices in support of federal ovarian cancer programs, including research funding. Your support is necessary to ensure that these programs continue to be funded.

When you meet with the offices of your elected officials, you will represent not only yourself and your unique story but also women from your community who are unable to be in Washington. Your participation in Advocacy Day allows 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 2012 take place?

Advocacy Day 2012 will be on July 17, 2012. This is an all day event starting early in the morning and ending in early evening.

This event coincides with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Annual Conference, which takes place at the Hyatt on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. For more information about the Conference, please contact Elizabeth White, Director of Events, at ewhite@ovariancancer.org.

What will I be doing?

You will be meeting with the offices of your congressperson from the House of Representatives and your two senators. Your meetings may be with the elected officials or their staff.

These meetings will be scheduled in advanced by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, so there is no work for you to do.

A tentative schedule is as follows:

1) The evening before Advocacy Day, you will 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 can walk or take a short cab ride to Capitol Hill, where you will attend three to five meetings.

3) The day concludes with 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 or their staff. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance will give you all the training you need prior to Advocacy Day.

I don’t know anyone who is attending Advocacy Day.  I’m also unsure if others from my area will be attending Advocacy Day.  Will I have to go to these meetings alone?

No, all Advocacy Day registrants will be placed on Advocacy Teams.  You will be attending your meetings with at least one other person.

Do you have questions about Advocacy Day 2012? If so, email action@ovariancancer.org.

Photo courtesy of Shealah Craighead Photography.