3. 3
ACS CAN is committedto eliminatingcancer as a major public
healthprogram through voter education and issue campaigns
aimed at influencingcandidates and lawmakers to support laws
and policies thatwill help peoplefightcancer
What is Advocacy?
4. ACS & ACS CAN
4
• 501 (c)(3) organization
• IRS Limited Direct lobbying
capacity
• IRS Limited Grassroots
lobbying activity
• Cannot participate in
electoral activity
• 501 (c)(4) organization
• Unlimited Direct lobbying capacity
• Unlimited grassroots lobbying activity
• Can participate in electoral activity but
cannot endorse or donate to
candidates
5. Why Advocacy Matters?
5
Example: Cancer Research Funding (FY13)
ACS National $116 Million
Nat. Institute Health: $32 Billion
CDC Cancer Programs $348 Million
6. 6
2015 State Public Policy Priorities
• Ensure Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care
- Protect Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Funding
- Ensure access to affordable medication for cancer care
• Encourage Healthy Eating and Active Living to Reduce the Risk of Cancer
- HEAL Act
- Physical Education in schools
• Support Tobacco Prevention and Control Strategies to Reduce Lung Cancer
- Protect Smoke Free Illinois Act
- Electronic Cigarettes
- Cessation
7. 7
2015 Federal Priorities
• Research Funding
• Quality of Life
• Access to care – colorectal and Medicare
• And the list goes on and on
8. 8
Call to Action!
• Become an ACS CAN member
• Recruit more members
• Stay educated on the issues.
• Respond to Action Alerts and forward them on to your family
and friends.
• Write letters, emails and call your elected officials.
• Testify at local/state hearings.
• Sign petitions
