SITC Advocacy Toolkit

SITC is the world’s leading member-driven organization specifically dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the science and application of cancer immunotherapy.

Use your voice to amplify the impact of SITC’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill by taking action in your home state/community.

If you’d like to get involved with SITC’s policy initiatives, complete this volunteer sign-up form.

Resources for EngagementEmail TemplateSocial TemplateDirect Comment

Resources for Engagement

SITC One-Pager

AACI State by State Information

Email your Congressional Delegates

Engaging with federal lawmakers is a powerful way to advance support for scientific research.

Step 1: Find your congressional delegates (Senators and Representative) email addresses by using your zip code with this easy-to-use tool.

Step 2: Write an email (sample provided below) and send it to your designated congressional delegate.

Step 3: Repeat!

Message on OMB Regulation

Dear [ELECTED OFFICIAL],

As a constituent and an advocate with the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), I am writing to express concern regarding the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed changes to the regulations governing Federal Financial Assistance.

For decades, federal research funding has been awarded through a rigorous peer review process that relies on independent scientific experts to evaluate research proposals based on merit, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. This system has helped make the United States the global leader in biomedical research and has contributed to countless medical advances that have improved and saved lives.

The proposed rule includes changes that could increase the role of political appointees in funding decisions and expand agencies' authority to suspend or terminate grants based on shifting priorities. In particular, proposed changes to Section 200.340 (Termination and Suspension) could create uncertainty for researchers and institutions that depend on stable, long-term funding to conduct scientific research.

Cancer research often requires years of sustained investment before discoveries can be translated into new treatments for patients. The current peer review system ensures that funding decisions are guided by scientific expertise and evidence, helping direct taxpayer dollars toward the most promising research opportunities. Moving away from this merit-based approach risks undermining the scientific rigor that has driven decades of progress against cancer and other serious diseases.

Federal investments in biomedical research have helped reduce cancer mortality, improve patient outcomes, strengthen the research workforce, and support local economies across the country. Continued success depends on maintaining a funding system that prioritizes scientific excellence and protects the integrity of the peer review process.

I respectfully urge you to exercise congressional oversight of these proposed regulatory changes and to support policies that preserve the central role of independent scientific peer review in federal research funding decisions. Congress has long recognized that the most effective way to advance medical innovation is to ensure that funding decisions are driven by scientific merit and potential patient benefit.

Patients, researchers, and institutions in our community depend on a strong and stable biomedical research enterprise. Thank you for your attention to this important issue and for your continued support of medical research.

Sincerely,


[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[City, State]

Message on NIH Funding

Dear [ELECTED OFFICIAL],

As a constituent and an advocate with the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), I urge you to pass a final Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) bill quickly and fund cancer research and prevention programs at the highest level possible.

Thanks to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) cancer programs, the U.S. cancer death rate decreased by 30% between 1991 and 2021, with 4.1 million fewer cancer deaths. There are now over 18 million cancer survivors across the U.S.—the most ever. However, cancer is still the second leading cause of death in the nation, and there is so much more work to be done.

In addition to improving the lives of patients and their families, investments in NIH, NCI, CDC’s cancer programs, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) strengthen the research workforce and drive economic growth by supporting more than 400,000 jobs and providing about $2.56 in new economic activity for every $1 invested in research funding. Additionally, ARPA-H drives innovation by focusing on high-risk, high-reward advancements in cancer technologies and approaches. These investments help the U.S. continue to lead on the global stage amid intensifying competition with other nations.

To maintain and continue the progress in cancer prevention and treatment, I urge you to support the highest possible funding levels in the FY27 LHHS bill, including at least $51.3 billion for NIH, $7.99 billion for NCI, $482.9 million for the CDC’s cancer prevention and control programs, and $1.5 billion for ARPA-H.

Patients and survivors are depending on you. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

[Your Title] 

[Your Institution] 

Social Media

Social media has transformed how the public engages with policymakers, and research shows that posts from constituents can impact a lawmaker’s stance on specific issues.

Step 1: Visit the websites of your Representatives and Senators to find their social media handles. Websites can be found using your zip code with this easy-to-use tool.

Step 2: Make a post (sample below) and tag your congressional delegate!

Step 3: Repeat!

Sample Post on OMB Regulation

Sample Post on NIH Funding

Scientific breakthroughs depend on rigorous, independent peer review. Proposed changes to federal grant regulations could reduce the role of scientific merit in funding decisions and create uncertainty for lifesaving cancer research. Congress must protect the integrity of the peer review process. #CancerResearch #NIH

@delegate, Congress must continue to support funding for the NIH. Sustained investment keeps the pipeline of future cures open and drives research that saves lives. #NIH #SITCAdvocacy

Direct Comment to OMB

Comment directly on FederalRegister.gov

Messaging Tips for Direct Comments

  • Introduce yourself/organization and federal funding reliance.
  • Reference in every comment: “OMB-2026-0034, Office of Management and Budget
    (OMB) Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.” Cite specific sections (e.g.,
    [200.340] for termination) where possible. Reference specific proposed changes
    and their effects (with section numbers).
  • If noting harms/burdens, use detail (quantify if possible: costs, delays, lost
    capabilities).
  • Personalize and be specific: Use your own organization’s words, experiences, and
    data. Explain concrete impacts on your operations, research, patients, programs,
    budgets, collaborations, or communities served.
  • Suggest alternatives or revisions.
  • Close respectfully.
  • Tone: Respectful, factual, constructive. Avoid inflammatory language
  • Attachments: Allowed (e.g., detailed analysis/PDF); reference them in the main tex
  • Individual vs. Organizational: Both are valuable. Organizations often submit one
    official comment; individuals add unique perspectives (state if not representing
    your institution).