Little's BIG Social Advocacy Effort

Social Advocacy Efforts

By Kimberly Klessig, Masters of Social Work Intern at the Littlest Tumor Foundation

Over the past few months, we at the Littlest Tumor Foundation have been working extremely hard advocating for support through the Federally Funded Neurofibromatosis Research Program. Through this process, it was great to be able to spread awareness at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Green  Bay campus. There, we obtained signatures from students and staff members who showed their support to continue NF funding by sending a letter of support to their legislators. Other people also signed the letter in support of our cause; I reached out to family, co-workers, and classmates.

   Within a few weeks, we obtained 2,822 signatures and after sending letters of support there were four representatives that signed on! Last year, ZERO of the representatives signed and this year HALF of Wisconsin district representatives signed for their support! This was a HUGE accomplishment!

I also talked to campus organizations such as Circle K, Titan Volunteers and the Social Justice Club. All of these groups took interest in either volunteering, being educated about neurofibromatosis and/or agreeing to participate in future advocacy efforts next year for campaigning and outreaching to the larger community.

Other advocacy initiatives included my supervisor going to Washington D.C.  where she spoke with the staffers directly about neurofibromatosis. I contacted the Wisconsin legislative individuals, who signed in support for NF Funding, to have them hold a “tumors in children we do not like them" sign.

Although it took a lot of time and effort I found that…ADVOCACY WORKS!! I will continue to advocate for NF by continuing to educate and present at a variety of organizations, businesses and community. My dream is to someday have helped in making a difference for NF families!