Guest Post: 10 Things I Learned On My First Cancer Lobby Day

There's nothing like hearing about the experiences of a new volunteer at their first lobby day. They often walk away empowered, rejuvenated and ready to become even more involved in the fight against cancer. Mellany Murgor is no exception. It's my pleasure to be able to share a guest post from Mellany describing her first lobby day experience in Boston last month. Mellany is an American Cancer Society Global Scholar from Kenya. The Global Scholars are Young Professionals-Chronic Disease Network leaders who organize campaigns in their home countries to improve cancer treatment access in their communities. I hope you enjoy reading about what she learned from her first lobby day experience as much as I did.  

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, organized a lobby day in Boston Massachusetts. ACS CAN is a nonprofit and nonpartisan cancer advocacy organization affiliated with the American Cancer Society. It advocates for cancer related issues by ensuring the leaders are accountable. The Global Scholars for the advocacy training and workshop were privileged to be invited to participate in the lobby day to see first-hand how things work. As it turns out none of the Global Scholars had ever been to a lobby day before. So, you can imagine the excitement and the enthusiasm we all had during this exciting and memorable day at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Early in the morning we converged for breakfast we had a chit-chat to get to know each other. Everything seemed to fit into place like a jigsaw puzzle. Within a few minutes, we were delving into conversations together and cracking jokes like we had been long-time friends. Everyone was happy and looked forward to the great day ahead. And it was as if mother nature was aware the Global scholars were in town, as the weather decided to be friendly and welcoming, at least for better part of the day, despite having previously terrorized the Boston residents by heavily snowing. The sun was bright, it just felt like a winning day. We later on converged at the Massachusetts Statehouse, more specifically the nurses hall where the event was scheduled to take place. Here we kicked off right into action, with each of the global scholars assigned to a qualified and experienced ACS CAN volunteer "lobbyist". Here are a few points that I learned from the volunteer I was paired with:

1. Be confident If you want people to believe in you, and especially politicians for that matter, then you have no choice but to show that you believe in yourself as well.

2. Create a rapport This is one of the most basic rules of communication. That smile and warm greetings may be all you need to start your lobbying process.

3. Establish a quick relationship of trust This is essential to have your lawmaker listen and be willing to follow up on your course.

4. Share a story if and when you can Nothing beats a good real life story of someone who has previously been affected with the said issue in question. For instance our volunteer was a Breast cancer survivor, she can speak up against indoor tobacco smoking (a major risk factor in cancer) because she knows the detrimental effects it can lead to.

5. Be simple, precise and straight to the point Most legislators are busy people with many projects proposed by a diverse group of electorates they represent. So every second counts for them. You don't want to seem boring. Don't beat around the bush. State your point concisely, explaining each in a brief but detailed manner.

6. Prepare documents with information to back up your course This is one of the most important parts when it comes to lobbying. Back up your course with data and information which your lawmaker can always refer to.

7. Do not give false information When you don't know, always refer to the available information beforehand.

8. Beware of opposition Not all people will be welcoming. They have opinions of their own, remember? Therefore, it is up to you to try and convince them to support your course. Use your bargaining power to your advantage.

9. Follow up is key It is only those who keep knocking louder and longer that often get what they want.

10. Never give up Getting policies to be passed is almost the same process around the world. It could take anything from a few days to several years.