My Nonprofit Reviews
Dee
Review for National LGBT Cancer Network Inc, Providence, RI, USA
The primary purpose of The National LGBT Cancer Network is to improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors (and those at risk) by doing such things as: (1) educating LGBT people and health providers about cancer risks; (2) increasing awareness of LGBT cancer risks and survivor experiences via the internet and other media; and (3) advocating for high quality research on LGBT cancer risks, treatment and survivorship. However, I think they’ve also done a good job of creating awareness of this issue among heterosexuals. As a Board member last year, my focus was to increase attendance at The National LGBT Cancer Network’s annual benefit, particularly of heterosexuals. Many of the people with whom I spoke had never heard the initials “L.G.B.T.” and had no idea what they meant. I tried to communicate personally with each one of these individuals. I gave them some informative (but accessible) literature that had been prepared by The National LGBT Cancer Network. I described the commitment and passion of Liz Margolies, Founder and Executive Director. I also relayed some personal stories that Ms. Margolies had told me about LGBT individuals who had been treated abysmally by medical personnel and institutions. By the time I finished, nearly everyone had decided to attend the benefit and most of the others made a cash donation. I’ve gone into so much detail because I want to show how many lives The National LGBT Cancer Network has reached, both within the LGBT community as well as outside of it.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way it has changed the views of many individuals regarding the problem of LGBT cancer risks and treatment.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give Liz Margolies a raise and then see if I could hire several staff people to support her. As for my own involvement, I would stay behind the scenes because I'm sure that my dedication could never match that of Ms. Margolies'.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
realizing that those LGBT's who learn they have cancer - AUTONOMOUS people who become ANONYMOUS patients overnight - can be empowered by knowledge which The National LGBT Cancer Network gives them.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
passionate, committed, friendly, human, knowledgeable and loving.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its outreach efforts so that every LGBT person, health provider, social service organization, medical institution, treatment center and member of the public would be educated about the issue of LGBT cancer
Ways to make it better...
I had been able to meet some of the board members and officers. However, time did not permit this.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
raising awareness of LGBT cancer on a bigger scale (due largely to lack of funds)and therefore being able to influence policy and treatment decisions.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm not a health care person or a social worker. I'm a person who believes very strongly in the ideas and aspirations of The LGBT Cancer Network. Therefore, if some of my language is inaccurate, please try to read my true feelings rather than my words.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
