Issue

How can I change policy?

Background

Many childhood cancer survivors and their families wonder how they can become involved in changing government policy affecting childhood cancer.

Information

The following is a list of suggestions to help you take a more active role in changing government policy:

1. Close to home: Attend a local cancer support group or chapter that focus on a particular issue in public policy. (I.e. the local chapter of the Leukemia Society, the local Candlelighter's group ,a local Brain Tumor support group, a local Children?s Hospital or Cancer Center).

2. Commitment: Pledge a tax deductible donation or time commitment to a reputable childhood cancer foundation. First investigate the foundation?s past and present political involvement. If they are working on issues similar to your current interests, make a financial or time commitment.

3. Activities: Participate in organized fundraising sport activities (i.e. run/walk/cycle or motorcycle rides) for foundations such as the Leukemia Society, the Brain Tumor Society, Candlelighter's and others.

4. Internet access: Join a list/serve or News group on the Internet to stay current with political issues affecting childhood cancer. Your input may in turn raise public awareness about issues not yet considered. Further, this is a good way to link up with others who are interested in similar topics.

5. Write letters: Send a letter to your government representative informing them of your heartfelt concerns (Sample Letter Below). Further, encourage others to do the same. If you are not sure of your representatives, here are two ways to ?log-on? and find out.

Find Your Reps

Date:

Representative (i.e. Senator, Congress person, House of Representative etc..)
Address

Dear:

I am contacting you because?. (Make a brief statement about your purpose in contacting this representative).

I urge you to consider (an action)?. (Add a brief statement as to what you want accomplished. For example to withdraw approval of a recently passed law).

This (statement of the issue) is important because it has..? (Summarize the history about the issue, include important evidence)? and, as a result?. (comment on its affect on childhood cancer).

Re-state what action you wish the representative to do?(Expand this section by giving suggestions. You may ask them to appoint a review committee to examine the evidence, or ban a product from the market).

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please respond to this request.

Sincerely,
(Your name here)