Community Advocates Program
The Community Advocates Program is a joint initiative of the Masonic Cancer Center COE team and the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN).
The goals of the program are to:
- Elevate community voices in cancer research
- Train and engage community members interested in increasing access to research and clinical trials
- Create bi-directional community and researcher relationships
Advocates meet regularly, receive training, and are compensated for their time and travel.
Advocates Engagement and Impact
Community Advocates engage clinical research in at least six core areas: protocol review, education campaigning, grant application review, community events and outreach, research development, outreach and recruitment material review—and more!
Protocol Review
Advocates review protocols for the Cancer Protocol Review Committee, an NCI-mandated group that reviews clinical trials for academic merit. Advocates also review protocols and informed consent documents for MNCCTN’s Trial Review Committee, which determines the feasibility of studies for community implementation at the Network’s partner sites across Minnesota.
Common themes among advocate feedback on protocols:
- Readability / health literacy
- Patient safety and outcomes
- Data analysis and storage
- Rural accessibility
- Study reliability
- Cultural considerations
- Enrollment / eligibility criteria
Grant Review
Advocates review and recommend revisions for grant RFAs (Request for Applications) and review grant submission, providing community voice in how the Cancer Center distributes funding.
Communications and Education Resources Group
Advocates provide regular feedback and identify best practices for communication and education materials such as brochures and digital resources.
Events and Outreach
Advocates are invited to connect directly with other community members at events and to shape where and how the Cancer Center does outreach.
Education Campaign
Advocates serve as an advisory group for MNCCTN’s Education Campaign, which partners with community organizations to develop culturally tailored education and communication strategies for clinical trials.
Research Development
Advocates are available to participate in study-specific Community Advisory Boards and partner with researchers on study ideas and development.
For Community Members
Community Advocates are individuals who have a lived experience with cancer and/or have a commitment to serving their communities. While Advocates are required to reside in Minnesota, all meetings and activities are hybrid, so remote participation is possible! Each cohort includes people with many different skill sets and life experiences—we work to ensure that each Advocates cohort can speak to a range of community needs in Minnesota and tribal nations. Meet the current advocates.
Join the Program
The program is currently recruiting additional Community Advocates! Advocates contribute about 3-5 hours per month to meetings and to work on engagement opportunities of their choosing, such as study protocol review, education and outreach strategies, researcher engagement, and more. Benefits to participation include $2,000 annual stipend (paid out quarterly), mileage reimbursement, training, networking, and access to University of Minnesota resources.
Get In Touch
Please complete an interest form to indicate your interest or to nominate someone from your community. If you have questions, please contact Susannah Bartlow and Michiah Van Syckel.
For Researchers
Community Advocates are here to provide a community perspective and offer other support for your study through every step of the research process!
Community Advocates can help researchers with:
- Protocol review
- Letters of support
- Informed consent feedback
- Advisory board requirements
- Study development and community-centered research ideas
- Outreach and recruitment material feedback
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Susannah Bartlow and Michiah Van Syckel or complete this interest form.