Why Advocate
Why Advocate?
Have you heard the old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil?" That is the reason we must educate our Senators and Representatives both at the federal and state levels about ovarian cancer.
Public opinion is taken into account when decisions are reached by Congress. We, the public, hire our Senators and our Representatives, and they are there to represent us. Consequently, our messages to Congress do make a difference.
It has been said that thirty messages, phone calls or e-mails can impact a vote. How much more effective it would be if we sent many more messages? When the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance notifies us of the need to communicate with our Senators or Representative to improve or approve funding for ovarian cancer, we all need to respond.
How to Respond
We respond by either calling or e-mailing. The easiest way to call the local or district offices of your Senators and Representative. An immediate call or e-mail to your Congressman is usually needed.
We can’t all go to Washington to visit with our Congressional representatives, but contacting their “staffers back-home” may be even more effective. You can make an appointment if you wish, when it is convenient, and briefly tell them of why we need to raise awareness and fund research. But if you can’t, it is not necessary to visit. It is necessary to call and briefly tell the legislative assistant why a bill needs to be introduced, funding increased or approved, or why “Dear Colleague” letters need to be signed. The local offices keep in constant contact with the Washington offices. It is easier many times to reach the local district office on the first call.
Who to Contact
To make it simple, we are including the local district office addresses and phone numbers on the Advocacy Information page. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Office (www.ovariancancer.org) can also link you to Senators and Representatives offices, where you will find complete addresses.
Get On The List
If you want to help, please call send us your e-mail address and we will put you on the list to be notified when a call to action is announced.
Election Year
Next year is an election year and many candidates will be holding meetings. Watch the paper and go if you can. As an individual, make yourself and your cause known. Ask your friends to do the same.. Go to the meetings of both the Republicans and Democrats - this is an non-partisan issue. Remember, they work for us.
Thomas Jefferson said in 1787, "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right." Let's keep the opinion about ovarian cancer right!