Advocacy Events

METAvivor's comprehensive Advocacy program includes two major events: The Stage IV Stampede: an in-person, advocacy event held in Washington DC held in October each year and GroundSwell, an impactful virtual advocacy event held in February each year. The two annual advocacy events are designed to maintain policy makers’ awareness of the needs of the metastatic breast cancer community throughout the year. The Stampede and GroundSwell each brings together patients, caregivers, and supporters, including family members, friends, and those who have lost a loved one to metastatic breast cancer.

2025 GroundSwell

February 24th - March 6th, 2025

METAvivor's GroundSwell is the virtual sibling event to the Stage IV Stampede. By directly engaging with your lawmakers in Washington DC, you can educate them about the MBC patient experience, the policies METAvivor is seeking to change, and the crucial need for federally funded research on MBC. Bringing together patients, caregivers, family members, and supporters for an equally effective annual advocacy event, GroundSwell provides METAvivor advocates like you with training and support for impactful virtual meetings. 

During these two weeks, advocates will schedule advocacy meetings with their own US Representative as well as attending meetings scheduled by the State Captain with your state’s two Senators. Members of the MBC community can make a big impact by sharing their stories and putting a face to the "why" behind passing important bills and legislation that can positively impact those living with metastatic breast cancer. METAvivor will provide legislative priority documents and training so all advocates are poised to use their passion and knowledge to take action.

REGISTER HERE

 

STATE CAPTAINS

Each State Captain will be responsible for encouraging MBC patients and loved-ones in their state to participate in METAvivor's advocacy events. Additionally, State Captains are tasked with coordinating and scheduling advocacy meetings with the state’s two Senators. METAvivor will provide legislative priority documents and training so the State Captains are poised to use their leadership, passion, and knowledge to mobilize the advocates in their group to take action and make a difference for the MBC community and the federal policies that impact their lives. If you are interested in being a State Captain please make sure to notate that when registering.

Confirmed captains, please find resources here.

A list of confirmed State Captains and their contact information can be found here

you can find advocacy tools and resources HERE on our website.

 


 

2024 Stage IV STAMPEDE

OCTOBER 8-9, 2024

The Stage IV Stampede is part of METAvivor’s ongoing grassroots advocacy efforts designed to raise attention to issues relevant to the metastatic breast cancer community with members of Congress. The Stampede is our biggest and most important event.  We hope you will join us!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

 

EVENT LOCATION

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - 550 C St SW, Washington, DC 20024 

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 8th 

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM  Volunteer Training (Stampede Volunteers Only)

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Mandatory Advocacy Training - Holiday Inn (550 C St SW) - Congressional Ballroom

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Advocacy Reception - Capitol Ballroom

7:00 PM - Renew and Make New Friendships - Dinner on your own

Wednesday, October 9th 

8:30 AM - 8:40 AM Line up for the MBC March to the Capitol (March will begin promptly at 8:45 AM)

8:45 AM - 9:15 AM  MBC March to the U.S. Capitol Lawn

9:15 AM - 9:35 AM  MBC Remembrance - U.S. Capitol Lawn

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Walk to Cannon House Office Building

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM House Breakfast (Cannon Caucus Room)

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Divide into State Groups

11:00 AM - 3:45 PM - Senate and House Meetings

4:00 PM - Meet at Dirksen Senate Office Building (cafeteria) for Debrief

 

In the run-up to the Stage IV Stampede, we will provide training materials and empower you as an advocate (links to trainings listed below). You will learn how to effectively use your voice and share your personal story to make a siginifcant impact by:

  • Urging your congressional representatives to allocate meaningful funding increases for medical research programs dedicated to controlling and eliminating cancer that has already devastated lives.
  • Encouraging your congressional representatives to cosponsor and enact crucial legislation aimed at enhancing healthcare coverage and accessibility for the community.

 

2024 online advocacy training schedule

July 25th 12:00pm ET - State Captain Stampede Training | WATCH RECORDED STATE CAPTAIN TRAINING HERE

July 30th 12:00pm ET - Stampede Boot Camp: Advocacy 101 | WATCH RECORDED TRAINING (use passcode *HwNEV4B)

Aug 1st 6:00pm ET - Issue 1 -  Increase Funding for MBC Research & SEER Funding | WATCH RECORDED TRAINING HERE

Aug 6th 6:00pm ET - Issue 2 -  Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act | WATCH RECORDED TRAINING (use passcode 8Z9EdQ.2)

Aug 8th 12:00pm ET- Issue 3 - Drug Parity Act | WATCH RECORDED TRAINING (use passcode w6Q6T0w@)

Oct 1st 6:00pm ET- Stampede Full Group Training

**Participants are strongly encouraged to attend/watch the webinars listed above. These webinars will provide insight and vital information on various subjects related to Stage IV Stampede.

**If you are unable to attend in person, we will be sending more information in the coming months about our MBC GroundSwell initiative later in the year.