Join Livestrong at the 2019 One Voice Against Cancer Lobby Day in Washington, DC

On May 13-14, Livestrong will be participating in an annual lobby day in Washington, D.C. alongside members of the coalition One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC).
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On May 13 - 14, the Livestrong Foundation will be participating in an annual lobby day in Washington, D.C. alongside members of the coalition One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC). We are accepting applications from Livestrong supporters who want to travel to Washington, D.C. and engage in this important advocacy work with us. Volunteers will meet with members of Congress or their staff about the importance of federal funding in the fight against cancer.

Those selected to participate will be notified by March 8, 2019.

We believe that widespread and long-term impact on those battling cancer is achieved through advocacy for healthcare legislation, regulations, and standards to improve cancer health systems. Hear from these Livestrong volunteers why advocacy is so important.

We hope you will join us in this important work on behalf of those impacted by cancer now.

Frequently Asked Questions

OVAC Lobby Day

Washington, D.C. May 13-14, 2019

  • Is previous advocacy experience necessary? No. There will be an in-person training for volunteers on May 13th and an online webinar a few weeks prior. Participants in the lobby day will be from a variety of cancer organizations and have a varying degree of advocacy experience. You will most likely be paired with others from your state or Congressional district for meetings on Capitol Hill.
  • How many people participate? Last year, 99 advocates from 30 states and 52 organizations participated in the Lobby Day. Livestrong was represented by 28 advocates from 18 different states.
  • What costs will Livestrong cover? Livestrong will pay for travel to Washington, D.C. and hotel accommodations based on financial need for a limited number of advocates. Advocates are encouraged to pay for (or raise funds) for their travel and/or hotel accommodations. Although cost sharing is not required in order to participate in the lobby day, we greatly appreciate those who are able to pay their own way because it frees up the Foundation’s resources for others to participate. When completing your OVAC advocate application, please let us know whether you are willing to pay for your own travel/hotel or if you will need Livestrong to cover some or all of those expenses. 
  • I am trying to determine how much time this will take away from work or my family. Please tell me more about the agenda. At a minimum, a one-night stay in Washington, D.C., is required, although for those traveling long distances, two or three nights may be necessary. We request that advocates arrive at the hotel no later than noon on Monday, May 13.  So for those who don’t live too far away, traveling in may be possible that morning. For others, travel to Washington, D.C., on Sunday may be necessary. There will be an optional group dinner on Monday night for Livestrong advocates. Capitol Hill meetings are scattered throughout the day on Tuesday, May 14, and we request that advocates plan to stay in DC until 5 pm. If you have specific travel restrictions, adjustments can be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • How do I apply?The application deadline was February 25. Those selected to participate in the lobby day will be notified by March 8.
  • If I apply to be a volunteer, will I automatically be asked to participate in the lobby day? Unfortunately not. We try to have volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds (ex. survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, etc.) and geographic areas. This diversity allows us to appeal more broadly to Congressional representatives.
  • I’m still not sure this is for me. Is there a way to learn more? Nick and Barb DiGiuseppe, a Livestrong Leader and cancer survivor respectively, wrote this blog about their experience at OVAC. For more information about the OVAC coalition, click here.