American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Help legislate federal and state cancer laws

Use your passion for politics to help enact laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network℠, ACS CAN, volunteers work to make sure our leaders take real steps toward finishing the fight against cancer. As the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, ACS CAN holds lawmakers accountable for their words and their actions. As an ACS CAN volunteer you will meet with legislators, plan events, encourage new membership, and help make phone calls. With the help of our volunteers, ACS CAN campaigns have led to 35 states going smoke-free (as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) and increased federal cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health, as well as many other significant accomplishments. 

Location

  • Nationwide opportunities available.
  • Virtual volunteer positions available.

Time commitment

  • Short-term volunteer opportunities available.
  • Long-term volunteer opportunities available. 
  • Opportunities range from a few minutes a day or an hour a week, to more involved positions that allow you to make a larger impact.

Required training

ACS CAN provides training for volunteers to make them effective advocates. 

Benefits

ACS CAN will empower you to become an effective advocate for cancer issues. We provide the training, tools, and opportunities you need to ensure your voice is heard by your lawmakers. We have flexible volunteer opportunities with very little time commitment, and more involved positions that allow you to make a larger impact. Plus, you’ll be working with the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization to make cancer issues priority. Thanks in part to our volunteers, ACS CAN’s work has resulted in increased funding for cancer research and prevention programs, stronger tobacco control policies nationwide, and improved access to a full range of cancer care for people diagnosed with the disease and their families. 

Volunteer positions and responsibilities

  • ACS CAN Advocates are the first step in ACS CAN’s volunteer structure, and allow you to get involved with a minimal time commitment. As an Advocate, you can help on an help on an as-needed/as available basis.
  • ACS CAN Ambassadors make a larger impact and help play a crucial role in establishing relationships with elected officials. As an Ambassador, you will help organize activity in your community, and even more involved Ambassador positions are available for those wishing to be team, Congressional district, or state leads. To be an Ambassador, you must make a two-year commitment to participate regularly.

Additional requirements

  • An email address is required to be an ACS CAN Advocate.
  • There is a two-year commitment for Ambassadors. This gives volunteers a chance to participate in a broad range of advocacy activities.

To sign to volunteer with ACS CAN, please visit our Volunteer Community and select "ACS Cancer Action Network" from the program filter.

Volunteer