Become a Leader in the Quest to End Esophageal Cancer!

Are you passionate about Ending Esophageal Cancer?

ECAN’s Grassroots Leadership Program May be for You!

Our mission is to strengthen the power of our growing network of advocates who are committed to increasing a national focus on preventing Esophageal Cancer and increasing survival rates for Esophageal Cancer patients through legislative action and community engagement.

Why Join the Grassroots Leaders Program?

You’ll get the support you need to turn your passion and determination into strategic action and powerful results.

The work of ECAN advocates has added nearly $20 million to the federal budget for Esophageal Cancer research over the past four years and prompted more focus and study of Esophageal Cancer by the National Cancer Institute.

Congress controls the federal research budget, so building relationships with elected officials is crucial. By sharing personal stories and rallying support, Grassroots Leaders work with ECAN leadership and a community of like-minded advocates to increase federal funding for Esophageal Cancer research.

Grassroots leaders also influence Congress to prioritize other legislation and governmental changes that are focused on ending this disease.

What Do Grassroots Leaders Do?

Responsibilities include:

Training: Attend an initial 45-60 minute live online training.
Calls to Action: Respond to monthly requests, such as sending emails or making calls
(usually takes just a few minutes). Share these requests with your contacts.
Legislative Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with U.S. Senators
and Representatives by attending meetings (virtual and in-person) with congressional
staff.
Stay Up-to-Date: Participate in virtual meetings with ECAN leadership to stay
on top of our legislative agenda and the progress we are making.
Community Advocacy: Lead or participate in local Esophageal Cancer Awareness
Month activities in April.

Participants must be willing to:

Share their Esophageal Cancer story with elected officials and potential advocates.
Engage in advocacy tasks, including sending emails and attending meetings.
Commit by signing a 12-month Participant Agreement outlining expectations and responsibilities.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role, not an ECAN staff position.

You are Supported Every Step of the Way

No prior advocacy experience is needed. The ECAN team is by your side to help your passion and commitment make the meaningful difference you seek.

ECAN provides templates, detailed instructions, and ongoing training and guidance. Regular virtual check-ins will cover updates on legislative priorities, advocacy best practices, and Q&A sessions.

How to Apply

Funding constraints mean we can only accept a limited number of participants in this special Leadership program.

If you are interested, apply below.

Participants who are selected for ECAN’s Grassroots Leadership program will be notified by email in early February.

Reach out to advocacy@ecan.org with any questions.

ECAN Grassroots Leaders Application 2025

The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) is recruiting a select number of passionate individuals to join our Grassroots Leaders (GL) program. Our mission is to build a powerful network of advocates committed to legislative action and community engagement to reduce the incidence and increase survival for Esophageal Cancer. No experience is necessary! You just need to 1) be willing to share your story about why increasing funding for Esophageal Cancer research is important to you, 2) be willing to engage with members of Congress and their staffs, and 3) be able to commit to spending 2-3 hours per month from January - May and 1-2 hours from June - December on training and advocacy-related activities. Please fill out the application below by January 26.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Mobile Phone(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Share Your Why(Required)

Tell us why you are interested in becoming a Grassroots Leader. Don't overthink this! We're just trying to get a sense of what part(s) of the program appeal to you the most. (250 words max)

What is your personal connection to Esophageal Cancer?(Required)

Are you comfortable sharing your story with elected officials, both virtually and in person?(Required)

Do you have any previous experience communicating with elected officials?

If so, please tell us about it. Be assured that PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IS NOT NECESSARY!

From January through May, ECAN's Grassroots Leadership Program requires a time commitment of about 2-3 hours per month. From June to December, you will be asked to participate one hour each month.(Required)

ARE YOU ABLE TO MEET THIS TIME COMMITMENT?

How did you hear about the ECAN Grassroots Leaders Program?(Required)

If you selected Other, please explain.

Do you have any questions or concerns about this program?(Required)

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you or your interest in the program?

CAPTCHA