This year's session of the Virginia General Assembly will end next week. Work continues on many bills and negotiations on the state budget are underway. Stay tuned for our 2024 General Assembly Report once the session wraps where we will review the outcome of key legislation related to health care. In the meantime, we are beginning to turn our attention to national-level advocacy.

Advocacy Scholarships Available!

VBCF's Karin Decker Noss Scholarship* funds training for volunteer advocates in legislative advocacy and medical research. 2024 Noss Scholarship funds are available to help any volunteer interested in attending the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, May 4-7, 2024. We hope you will consider applying for this exciting opportunity!

NBCC’s Advocate Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of breast cancer advocates from across the country and around the world. Participants attend sessions on the latest scientific research, training in effective advocacy strategies, and presentations by respected researchers in the field, grassroots leaders from around the country, and prominent public policy experts. Attendees include breast cancer survivors, caregivers, patient advocates, and many others who are affected by breast cancer.

For more information about the 2024 Summit, click HERE. NBCC's Annual Lobby Day will follow the Summit on May 7 when advocates will meet with their elected officials about NBCC's 2024 legislative and policy agenda.

VBCF's 2024 Advocacy Scholarship Details

The Karin Decker Noss Scholarship will cover registration fees, travel, meals, and hotel costs to attend the 2024 NBCC Summit. Advocates who receive the scholarship will be asked to attend all days of the Summit, share a brief reflection with VBCF about their experience, and agree to stay involved with VBCF's advocacy work throughout the year. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To apply for the Noss Scholarship or if you have questions, contact Kirsta Millar, VBCF Policy Manager: kirsta@vbcf.org, 804-285-1200 ext. 203.

*All Scholarship requests must be made by April 8, 2024

The Karin Decker Noss Scholarship is provided to fund training for participants in medical research and legislative advocacy to carry on the work that Karin Decker Noss, a dedicated board member, and former VBCF President began. The scholarship aims to encourage increased knowledge and education related to breast cancer resulting in stronger breast cancer advocacy and more involvement in VBCF’s advocacy program. Learn more about Karin HERE

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