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advocacy Statewide events allow volunteers to speak with legislators about cancer issues Society volunteers from each Michigan congressional district were invited to come to Lansing on June 13 for Celebration at the State Capitol, the state-wide advocacy effort of the year. In all, 454 Society advocates spoke with their Michigan House representatives and senators about passing bills to make all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, smokefree and supporting the Healthy Michigan Fund to give money to cancer prevention programs.  The day started bright and early for travelers from around the state with a morning training session. The advocates collected matching purple shirts, a packet of information, and breakfast while listening to speeches from cancer survivors, volunteers, and staff to learn about the major issues that would be the topics of the day and how to tell their legislators why cancer is important to them in a meaningful way. "We're here because we care about people," said Greg Bontrager, CEO of the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division.
After the training, everyone headed to the capitol building where tents were set up by Society area service center and legislative meetings began. Meanwhile, for those whose appointments were not taking place, attendees could participate in activities designed by each area to represent their part of the state. After a press conference, a mini Relay For Life event took place with survivors starting the traditional first lap, followed by each area service center's volunteers. Brenda Ransom and Roxanne Harris (pictured from left to right) from Sault Sainte Marie drove down the night before to ensure they would not miss any part of their first Celebration at the State Capitol experience. Roxanne is the chair of the Chippewa Relay For Life and Brenda is the entertainment director on the committee. "I didn't know what to expect but I sure was pleased with the turn out from our legislators," said Roxanne. They already knew their own legislator, but enjoyed meeting with other Upper Peninsula officials as well. "We were able to be representatives for the whole U.P.," said Brenda. The two ladies were excited to meet other cancer advocates and felt empowered with the ability to influence lawmakers' opinions on cancer. "Just because you're not a politician doesn't mean you can't come down here and work hard," said Roxanne. "It also gives you a chance to realize that cancer is a medical thing, but it's also political. It's something that our government needs to look at," added Brenda. Indiana has a similar statewide advocacy effort, called Indiana Lobby Day, which was held in February. This year, 375 Hoosiers asked their representatives to make cancer a top priority and support a 50 cents tobacco tax increase. The tax proposal did not pass last session, but our volunteers helped ignite the debate and laid the foundation to revisit the issue when the next session begins in January. Watch for a feature on the next Indiana Lobby Day in early 2007. In the meantime, you can still contact your local legislators to build support for the tobacco tax proposal in Indiana, smokefree worksites in Michigan (Senate Bills 394-395 and House Bills 4624-4625), and the Healthy Michigan Fund. Make sure your representative know how you feel about these critical policies. Other features in VOICES this month community focus: variety of Society programs offer support in multiple ways |
survivorship and patient services: youth can still sign up for this year's Young Adult Retreat |
research: Society funds innovative cancer researchers |
education: organizations partner with the Society to improve workplace wellness |
advocacy: join us in Washington DC as a Celebration on the Hill supporter |
local area spotlight: Central Indiana Area Service Center staff and volunteers try to help patients traveling for treatment |
opportunities available: visit a Relay For Life event in July |
resource highlight: register today on the Cancer Survivor's Network |
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