What is the Summer of Action? - Fight Colorectal Cancer

What is the Summer of Action?

Fight CRC advocates are taking action in their own communities this August — and you can too. Here’s everything you need to know to get involved.

What is the Summer of Action?

Throughout August, Fight CRC advocates can take action in their own communities to continue to engage their members of Congress and encourage them to join the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus. Whether you’re meeting with your member of Congress or their staff, attending a town hall, delivering handwritten messages, hosting a Lunch & Learn, or participating online — every action helps build congressional champions for the colorectal cancer community.

For advocacy to be effective, it has to happen all year round. During the month of August, members of Congress are back home in their local communities, and it is a great opportunity to get some face time with them and remind them about our priorities.

How Do I Get Started?

Whether this is your first time taking action or you’re a seasoned advocate, the steps are simple:

  1. Sign up to receive your free Advocacy Toolkit.
  2. Choose your action — pick what works best for your schedule and community.
  3. Make your ask — contact your U.S. Representative and invite them to join the caucus.
  4. Share your story — post on social media and inspire others to take action.

I go back to those beginning conversations in 2023, the first time I was physically in DC… that was that staffer’s first-time meeting with advocates as well. And it’s meaningful. Like she still says that changed her perspective on her job on the Hill.” – Kim Jette speaking during a meeting with her congressional staff

How can I take action?

There’s no single way to be an advocate — choose the action that fits your schedule, comfort level, and community. Here are some ideas:

  • Meet with congressional staff at a district office
  • Attend a town hall hosted by your Representative
  • Deliver handwritten messages to your Member’s local office
  • Host a Lunch & Learn with fellow advocates or community members
  • Take action online — sign our action alert and share on social media

You just kind of need to look for opportunities and talk to people and things happen… It’s that easy.” – Kasia Orzechowska during a recess drop off challenge

Fight CRC’s Summer of Action toolkit is chock full of information and resources to help you make the most of your summer advocacy. From ideas for how to engage your members of Congress to materials and step by step instructions – it has everything you need!

“Take the opportunity to speak up and stick your neck out and… it might lead somewhere.”Matthew DeAngelis speaking with a Member of Congress at a CRC Roundtable at the Inova Cancer Center.

What is the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus?

The Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress committed to advancing awareness, prevention, screening, research, and access to care for people affected by colorectal cancer.

The caucus is a group of colorectal cancer champions on Capitol Hill and helps to educate congressional offices, elevate colorectal cancer issues, and build support for policies that improve outcomes for patients and families.

  • Democratic Co-Chair: Rep. Nikema Williams
  • Republican Co-Chair: Position open — this could be your member of Congress!

  • Build congressional champions for colorectal cancer
  • Educate policymakers and their staff
  • Advance funding priorities at the federal level
  • Increase support for legislative solutions
  • Raise awareness across Congress

The more members who join, the stronger the voice for the colorectal cancer community.

Have questions or need help getting started? Fight CRC’s Advocacy Team is here to help! Reach out at advocacy@fightcrc.org.