Welcome to our 1st Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day Resources Hub. Our Advocacy Day is designed to elevate the voices of patients and caregivers to raise awareness and create change.
Thank you for taking action with HOPE!
Your Story Matters: Gastric Cancer Advocacy Hill Day
Following the Patient Empowerment Summit, Hope for Stomach Cancer is hosting a training session beginning at 5pm on May 6, 2024 with our first Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day on May 7, 2024. HOPE for Stomach Cancer believes advocacy efforts are important in bringing attention to disparities and health inequity. It plays a monumental role in calling for policies to prioritize health equity and address the root causes of cancer disparities. Hope advocates for increased awareness, funding, research, and support for those impacted by stomach cancer.
The central focus for the event is to amplify the voices of gastric cancer patients and caregivers, ensuring they feel heard and valued within the legislative system.
During these events, we will be working to empower patients and provide them with a platform to voice these health disparities in their own communities.
Here are our Congressional “asks” to prepare you for our 1st Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day.
You can access your meeting schedule for Gastric Cancer Advocacy on Capitol Hill Day on our free “AdvocacyDay” app, available in the App Store for Apple devices and in the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The directions to access are as follows:
- In your device’s app store, search for “AdvocacyDay” (all one word) and download it
- When you open the app, select “Choose Your Group” and find your group, Hope For Stomach Cancer
As a web-based backup, you can also view your schedule for Gastric Cancer Advocacy on Capitol Hill Day here: advocacyday.net/hsc. The login/signup process is the same.
We believe that with dedicated research and with prevention and early detection guidelines, we can make stomach cancer a thing of the past!
Gastric Cancer Advocacy Hill Day Q&A
Q1: This is my first time participating in Advocacy Day. What should I expect?
A: Welcome! We’re excited to have you join us for this empowering event. As the date approaches, you’ll receive informative emails providing tips and essential information to enhance your experience. On May 6, our training session will prepare you for meetings with policymakers, and you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow advocates from your state.
Q2: How do I schedule appointments with members of Congress?
A: We kindly ask that you refrain from scheduling appointments directly with congressional offices. Our team handles appointment scheduling to ensure fairness and efficiency. If you have special connections or considerations, please inform us at [email protected]
Q3: How will transportation to Capitol Hill be arranged?
A: We will meet at the Hyatt lobby at 8am and take a shuttle to Capitol Hill. If you are checking out, you can bring your luggage with you for storage. The shuttle will be parked all day for easy in and out. The shuttle will be returning from the Capitol Hill to the Hyatt at 3:30pm
Q4: Will I meet with members of Congress individually?
A: Participants will be grouped based on geographical regions to ensure effective representation. Meetings are typically arranged with two U.S. senators and one U.S. representative per participant. In cases where a legislator is unavailable, a meeting with their staff will be scheduled.
Q5: Can I attend congressional visits with friends or family from other states?
A: While we encourage advocates to bring family and friends, we prioritize pairing participants with their respective congressional delegations for meetings. This approach maximizes our impact and ensures focused advocacy efforts.
General Information
Q6: What is the recommended attire for Advocacy Day?
A: Business casual attire is suitable for the event. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and the color Periwinkle to raise awareness. Try to avoid belts as you will be going through security to enter the Capitol Building.
Q7: Are meals provided during Advocacy Day?
A: Breakfast will be at the hotel and lunch will be provided during our Congressional Stomach Cancer Task Force Forum.
Q8: Is attendance at the full training session on May 6 mandatory?
A:The training covers essential topics, including advocacy messaging and meeting logistics. It’s also an opportunity to strategize with fellow advocates. Meeting schedules will be distributed before the training session.