The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Federal government’s primary agency for cancer research, is seeking nominations for new members to the NCI Director’s Consumer Liaison Group (DCLG), who will be appointed by July 2004 pending completion of their appointment paperwork and conflict of interest clearance. The DCLG consists of 15 consumer advocates who are involved in cancer advocacy and who reflect the diversity among those whose lives are affected by cancer. As a chartered federal advisory committee, it works with NCI to ensure that those who experience the burden of cancer also help to shape the course of the NCI’s research efforts to eradicate it. NCI brings these advocates together to advise and make recommendations to the NCI Director. The DCLG serves as a channel for consumer advocates to voice their opinions and concerns.

To be eligible for the DCLG, a nominee must:

1. Demonstrate involvement in the cancer experience as a cancer survivor, a caregiver to someone who has cancer, or as a professional or volunteer who works with cancer survivors, patients, or caregivers; and
2. Have a constituency with which s/he regularly communicates on cancer issues and with which s/he is able to serve as a conduit for information, both to and from NCI.

Nominees who meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be further assessed based upon their cancer advocacy experience; ability to represent all cancer survivors; possession of strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills; knowledge or expertise in cancer research, cancer health disparities, and/or cancer survivorship; and ability to facilitate dialogue between NCI and the cancer advocacy community. In addition to these criteria for individual candidates, the DCLG reflects the breadth and diversity of the cancer advocacy community with respect to cancer type, expertise, advocacy organizations, geographical area, ethnicity and culture, gender, and age.

NCI encourages nomination of candidates reflecting the diversity sought on the DCLG. Nominations can be made by organizations, including local/regional and national groups, or individuals, including self-nomination.

Please see the website at: http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/dclg/call4nomination/ApplicationPkg23jan04.pdf for the application package, which must be postmarked by January 23, 2004. Mail your completed nomination package to 2004 DCLG Selection Process, c/o Palladian Partners, Inc., 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1200, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: (301) 650-8660, Fax: (301) 650-8676.

If you would like to learn more about the DCLG, please visit: http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/dclg/dclg.htm.