American Cancer Society

"The American Cancer Society(ACS) is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.” -mission statement of the ACS

History

This section should describe the interest group's founding and development. It would probably be a good idea to divide it into chronological subsections, for example:

Current objectives and activities

This section should discuss the group's current initiatives and tactics for influencing political outcomes (which may or may not be very different from its original goals and modus operandi).

Organizational structure

The American Cancer Society, Inc., consists of a National Home Office, 13 chartered divisions, and over 3,400 local offices. The National Home Office is responsible for many activities including: the planning and coordination of ACS programs, information delivery, cancer control and prevention, advocacy, resource development, and patient services. The National Home Office also helps with technical support and provides materials to the divisions and local offices, and administers the intramural and extramural research programs. The 13 divisions are responsible for program delivery to their respective regions. The local offices deliver cancer prevention, help with early detection, and create patient services programs at the community level. Much of the American Cancer Society’s activities are carried out by volunteers. In 2006 the American Cancer Society had over three million volunteers that helped carry out the American Cancer Society’s mission through their service in different areas including research, public education, and patient support.

Achievements

This section should recount the group's major achievements, including but not limited to legislative and/or legal victories.

Public perception and controversies

In developing this final section, be especially careful about maintaining a neutral stance and tone. Your aim should be to document the public's perception of your group and/or any controversies in which it is or has been embroiled without weighing in with your own opinion about them.