How Does the Legislative Process Work?
Brush up on your knowledge of how a bill becomes a law with the Schoolhouse Rock video and then scroll down to learn how you can participate.
After you get an overview, learn how you as an individual can get involved and participate in the process.
How You Can Participate
Let your voice be heard on behalf of the nearly 11 million cancer survivors - it's easier than you think. The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act establishes mechanisms that facilitate better cancer care for anyone who has been diagnosed. This legislation has almost 80 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and is supported by 30 cancer advocacy organizations, 37 National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer centers across the country, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. Read on for a variety of ways to participate in the legislative process.
1. Take our free online advocacy training to learn how to effectively communicate with your Congressperson
Tell your friends about the free training
2. Find your Representative with this list by state and find his/her contact information to ask them to support H.R. 1078.
E-mail your Representative using our easy customizable online form
Call and let his/her staffers know this issue is important to you
Visit your Representative in his/her Washington, D.C. office
3. See when your Representative will be in your district
Meet with your Representative in a one-on-one meeting by calling his/her local office
Attend a Townhall or Public Forum and ask your Representative to discuss what s/he is doing to assure quality cancer care for anyone who is diagnosed (you can do this even if that’s not the topic of the meeting)
Remember, when communicating with your policymakers, be sure to:
- Tell your personal story
- Individualize your communication
- Identify where you’re from
- Ask the person to do something
- Thank them, if you can
