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

On May 14 - 15, the Livestrong Foundation will once again be participating in an annual lobby day in Washington, D.C. alongside members of the coalition One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC).

On May 14 - 15, 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.

If you are interested in participating in the OVAC lobby day at a Livestrong volunteer, fill out and submit an application by February 16. Please review the frequently asked questions below about the OVAC lobby day before applying. Those selected to participate will be notified by March 1.

While programs and services assist individuals or communities, widespread impact is achieved through advocacy on healthcare legislation, regulations, and standards that improve overall 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.


Frequently Asked Questions

OVAC Lobby Day

Washington, D.C. May 14-15, 2018

  • Is previous advocacy experience necessary? No. There will be an in-person training for volunteers on June 5 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, more than 100 advocates from 30 states and 48 organizations participated.
  • What costs will Livestrong cover? For some advocates, Livestrong will be paying for travel to Washington, D.C., and hotel accommodations based on financial need. Other advocates will 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. Please use the OVAC advocate application to let us know whether you are willing to pay for your own travel/hotel or 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 14.  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 15, 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? Fill out and submit an application by February 16. Those selected to participate in the lobby day will be notified by March 1.
  • 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? Heather Hall, a Livestrong Leader and past OVAC volunteer, wrote this blog about the importance of advocacy. To view a collection of photos from a previous OVAC lobby day, click here. For more information about OVAC, click here