Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 Toolkit

Changing the Conversation at Town Halls and Other Events with Elected Officials

A vital step to the success of Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® is to change the breast cancer conversation to ending the disease by January 1, 2020.  It MUST be the topic whenever and wherever breast cancer is discussed.

When Congress is not in session in Washington, D.C., Senators and Representatives are often back in the states and congressional districts they represent.  During these periods, they may hold public events, often called “town halls,” to hear about the issues of interest or concern to their constituents.  These are a great opportunity to reach out to them about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®, make them aware of it, and make sure they are with us.  Below are some tips that you may find useful for town halls or other similar events. 

Tips for Changing the Conversation at Town Halls

• It is important to plan what you are going to say in advance, and keep it brief.
• Always identify yourself, which town or city you are from and if appropriate, say which organization you represent and what it does, if it’s not obvious. Say that you are also an NBCC member.
• If you are comfortable, give a personal reason you are a member of this organization.  Example: “I am a 10 year breast cancer survivor,” or “My mother died of breast cancer at age 40.”
• Do not assume the Senator or Representative knows anything about breast cancer, NBCC, or Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®.  Use this as a very brief opportunity to educate them.  Example: “The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) has set a deadline to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.  We are tired of business as usual, and 110 women dying of breast cancer every day in the United States is unacceptable.”
• Once you provide them with some information about Breast Cancer Deadline 2020®, make sure to include a question for the candidate to respond to—it can be as simple as “Are you with us?”