One of the great things about writing is that I learn so much from my readers. Recently, I received an email from one of our gentle readers asking me to check out the Army of Women (www.armyofwomen.org). Immediately, a vision of “Rosie the Riveter” arose in my mind with the famous “We Can Do It” slogan in the background.
(See http://rosietheriveter.org) For those of you too young to remember, Rosie was the symbol of the new army of women who entered the workforce for the first time after the United States entered WW II. While the men were away serving their country, these pioneering women took over many jobs traditionally held by men. Needless to say, this was a not only a turning point in the war effort but for women and their roles in the workforce as well!
In many ways, this new Army of Women is just as pioneering in the field of breast cancer research as Rosie’s of the past. The Army of Women is a non-profit partnership between the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and the Avon Foundation for Women. Their mission is quite simple – “eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women’s health through innovative research, education, and advocacy.” How are they going to accomplish this? By raising an army of women, a million strong, who want to work for a cure for breast cancer and who will volunteer to participate in research studies. Consider this the million woman march on breast cancer!
According to the AOW website, one of the needs that had been identified by researchers as impeding their progress in finding a cure or prevention for breast cancer is that they are frequently unable to find volunteers to participant in the research studies. This program is unique in that it works to partner women directly with the scientists who are conducting the research. Since every study is different, the AOW is working to recruit women from all walks of life, shapes and sizes, ages and ethnicities. Unlike many other studies, you do not have to have breast cancer or be at risk for breast cancer in order to join. In fact, healthy women are encouraged to participate.
Joining the AOW is fairly simple. The website has an online registration form which gathers basic information about the volunteer. (See https://www.armyofwomen.org/getinvolved to join.) Once a woman has registered, the AOW will send them information on new research studies that are being conducted along with a description of what the researcher needs. If a woman fits the criteria and wants to participate in a particular study, she simply responds to the AOW email indicating that she’s accepted the “Call to Action.” An AOW representative then contacts the volunteer to answer any questions that they may have concerning the study and coordinate the next steps.
Please note that this is a volunteer army! Signing up for the AOW does not obligate you to participate in any research study! Participation is purely voluntary! The decision of whether or not to answer the “Call to Action” is solely up to the individual.
In addition to volunteering to participate in a research study, your help is needed to spread the word to other women. Ways that you can help spread the word include:
Social Networking: Spread the word through social networking media (Facebook, Twitter, watch YouTube videos).
Forward the Love: Invite your family and friends to volunteer and get involved. If you are already a volunteer, forward the emails you receive to your family and friends.
Become an Ambassador: If you work with a national organization, consider partnering with the AOW. (Note: Contact AOW directly for more information on partnering your organization with AOW.)
Become an Affiliate: If you belong to a professional organization, PTA, church group, sorority, etc., you can also partner with the AOW. (Note: Contact AOW directly for more information on becoming an Affiliate.)
If we all partner together, then “We Can Do It” and find a cure for breast cancer!
©2009 Mary Kyle. For more articles by Mary Kyle, please visit www.texpen.com.