Calling all advocates! The Legislative Action Network (LAN) at Dana-Farber has hit the ground running in 2023 as we begin a new state legislative session and welcome a new Congress. This means there are a wealth of opportunities for advocates like you to share your story and help advance policies that matter to you. The best part, no previous advocacy experience is needed. 

Whether you are new to the LAN or a seasoned advocate, we are so happy that you are here. We are a vibrant community of patients, providers, families, caregivers, and cancer survivors committed to advancing equity-focused legislation around healthcare access, social determinants of health, quality of life, cancer prevention, early detection, and research that will fuel innovation and research and improve lives.

Each year, we work with advocates like you and experts at Dana-Farber to define our Massachusetts state legislative agenda, which guides the LAN advocacy efforts during the two-year state legislative session. Our 2023 – 2024 Massachusetts state legislative agenda can be found by using the QR code below or visiting: www.dana-farber.org/advocacy.

What can you do today to make a difference?

1. Join the Dana-Farber Legislative Action Network. You'll receive newsletters, exclusive invites to advocacy events, and email alerts on both federal and state legislation in need of your advocacy. To join the LAN, visit our website and click “sign up for alerts”. If you received this email directly, great news, you are already a member of the LAN. Consider forwarding this email to a friend, loved one or colleague and asking them to join too. Advocacy is always best enjoyed with friends!

2. Send an email or make a call. Explore our Massachusetts state legislative priorities and learn about each bill. Then, use our phone scripts and editable email templates to easily reach out to your State Representative and State Senator to ask them to co-sponsor legislation that is meaningful to you.⁠ ⁠

3. Join us for Advocacy Rounds: Calling for Cosponsors virtually on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 11 am to noon. This free virtual event will update you on our new Massachusetts state legislative priorities. We will also share easy step-by-step actions that you can take immediately to make a difference. Register for this free event here.

4. Most importantly, use your voice! Your story, whether professional or personal, helps our decision-makers understand the human impact of policy decisions. Consider emailing advocacy@dfci.harvard.edu to share the type of positive impact that our legislative priorities could have in your life, the lives of your patients, or loved ones. We can provide you with various opportunities to share your story with decision-makers in our federal and state government. 

We look forward to renewing our commitment to working with you in the years ahead and to creating meaningful opportunities where you can share your story and advocate for issues that matter most to you.