LS&LD Frequently Asked Questions

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Leadership Summit and Lobby Day > Frequently Asked Questions

 

We have tried to anticipate those questions you may have that are not answered on our other pages; don’t see the answer you seek? Please use our contact form to pose your specific question – we will reply within 48 business hours.

 

Q: What is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)?

A: ACS CAN (pronounced “A-C-S Can”) is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. We support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority by giving ordinary people extraordinary power with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

 

Q: What are the dates of the 2021 LS&LD?

A: Usually we gather in Washington, DC for a 3.5 day in-person Leadership Summit & Lobby Day. In 2021, we are asking participants to review our pre-event trainings according to their availability. We’ll all gather online for the Leadership Summit on Sunday, September 26 from 4pm-7pm ET. We’re asking all participants to keep Tuesday, September 28 unscheduled for Hill meetings. And we invite all friends of ACS CAN to join us for our ACS CAN 20th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, September 29 from 7:30pm-8:30pm ET.

 

Q: Why do you need such a large window of time on Tuesday?

A: All participants are expected to dial-in to meetings with their congressional representatives on Tuesday, September 28. All attempts will be made to schedule meetings within acceptable ranges for the time zone in which you live. Volunteers will be grouped by state and attend several meetings over the course of the day. Because of the nature of scheduling meetings with Hill representatives, schedules can change even at the last minute and we’re asking volunteers to have as much flexibility in the day as they can. If your availability changes, please update your staff partner.

 

Q: How do I know if I should attend LS&LD?

A: Typically, Leadership Summit & Lobby Day includes ACS CAN’s leadership volunteers: State Lead Ambassadors (SLAs), ACT! Lead Ambassadors (ACT Leads), members of ACS CAN’s Board and special guests like ACS on Campus & Gates scholars. Your state staff partner can answer more questions about your attendance. Regardless of whether you attend LS&LD, please help us amplify our asks on social media!

 

Q: How do I know which LS&LD events to join?

A: Our website includes information about the intended audience of our sessions to prepare for Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. If it’s helpful, we’ve included options to download calendar invites for these activities so you can track them. We ask that all participants participate in our pre-event trainings, Leadership Summit, your state specific “Hill Meeting Prep by State”, and reserve all of Tuesday, September 28 to attend Lobby Day. Optional events include our ACS CAN 20th Anniversary Celebration & Silent Auction.

 

Q: How will I know when my congressional meeting is scheduled?

A: Registered participants will receive the schedule of your congressional meetings by Friday, September 24 via email. Meetings will be scheduled in Eastern Time (ET), and there’s a chance that your meeting time may change. Changes to your meeting time will be communicated quickly through online resources.

 

Q: What technology set-up do I need to join these events?

A: Participants are able to participate in all events exclusively by phone but we recommend joining by computer so you have access to all of our session visuals. We’ll host our webinars using online programs including Zoom and GoToMeeting. We’ll host practice sessions to help participants connect.

 

A: In the past, ACS CAN has asked us all to wear blue shirts to Capitol Hill. Are they required? 

A: Blue shirts are not required this year, although if you have one, we encourage you to wear yours on Tuesday, September 28 during your Lobby Day meetings. Your congressional meetings may be by video and the blue shirts will add to your visual impact! You might also choose to tweet or post a picture of yourself on Lobby Day using #cancerlobbyday and you’ll be in good company in our traditional blue polo. If you don’t have a ACS CAN blue shirt but would like one, you may order one here: https://business.landsend.com/store/acscan.  Through October 1, use promo code EMTFLFS50 for free logo application & free shipping with a $50 minimum!  Again, our logo shirt is completely optional in 2021.

 

Q: What is Lights of Hope Across America?

A: Lights of Hope (often referred to as “LOH”) is a deeply moving event to remember those we have lost to cancer and honor survivors, patients and caregivers. Events happen in towns & cities across America and activities will be livestreamed at 4pm ET on Saturday, September 18. Lights of Hope is an important fundraising event for ACS CAN and funds much of our advocacy. We encourage you to visit the Lights of Hope website at fightcancer.org/lightsofhope and participate to the extent you’re able.

 

Q: My question was not answered: how do I get help?

A: Your best resource is your staff partner. Additionally, our website includes a contact form to reach the event team.

 

 

  

 

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