We all have a story.

Patients, caregivers, survivors, providers, family members, health care administrators - we all have a story.

Policy is personal. Sharing your story with elected officials and decision makers helps them to understand the potential impact that policies have on people. Stories make policies real and tangible rather than something abstract. When you share your story as part of the policy-making process, which is also known as legislative advocacy, you are also sharing hope that can inspire the change you wish to see. 

The Dana-Farber Legislative Action Network (LAN) is committed to grassroots advocacy that centers lived experiences, voices, and stories of people whose lives have been touched by cancer. If you are interested in learning how to share your story for the purpose of engaging in legislative advocacy, check out our June Advocacy Rounds: Testify + Amplify on Tuesday, June 29, from 2:00pm - 3:00pm via Zoom.

This session of Advocacy Rounds will focus on strategies you can use to effectively elevate your voice in sharing your story verbally or in writing as legislative testimony. Legislative testimony is provided during public hearings at the State House and those hearings often happen this time of year. No previous advocacy experience is needed. All advocates are welcome. This event will provide background on the legislative process and calendar and we will hear from special guest advocates who will share their stories. 

To learn more about our state legislative priorities, visit our website at www.dana-farber.org/advocacy. Once on the site, click on any one of the bills listed to get more detailed information. Each bill also has an action alert or guided step by step instructions on how to take action by sending an email or making a phone call to your Massachusetts State Representative and State Senator. Whether you choose to call or email your elected officials, you will also have the option to add your personal story.

Thank you for being a member of the Dana-Farber Legislative Action Network and for sharing your story with us to help create hope and change for those whose lives are touched by a cancer diagnosis.