One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) is a collaboration of national non-profit organizations representing millions of Americans, delivering a unified message to Congress and the White House on the need for increased cancer-related appropriations.
One Voice Against Cancer began in January 2000 as a working group of public health organizations dedicated to ensuring that the federal government provides the necessary investments for cancer research and application programs. It has since grown into an effective lobbying coalition on cancer funding that has enabled the community to enhance policymakers' awareness of the need for substantial increases in essential cancer programs.
The professional government relations staff of the member organizations of OVAC meet monthly to share intelligence on cancer-related legislation and regulations, discuss the latest in cancer research and treatment, and strategize on how best to work with lawmakers to enhance funding for critical cancer research and programs.
OVAC hosts an annual Lobby Day where volunteer representatives of the member organizations come to Washington, DC for training on the legislative issue and advocacy methods and then spend a full day meeting with legislators to share the human face of cancer in America. The personal stories of these trained advocates underscores the need for continue government involvement in the war against cancer.
OVAC’s united front enhances each organization’s ability to attain the funding levels necessary to win the war on cancer and to equip those facing cancer with the tools they need to fight this deadly disease. One Voice Against Cancer commits its participating members to cooperative efforts that increase understanding of the need for both cancer research and application programs. At the same time, One Voice Against Cancer empowers its volunteers and those touched by cancer to deliver this message creatively and powerfully to policymakers.
Other OVAC advocacy campaigns have included advertising in Capitol Hill publications, coalition meetings with lawmakers, and briefing on Capitol Hill to highlight the government supported cancer research and programs that OVAC supports.