Mission Statement Essay

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicating to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service (American Cancer Society, 2015).

Background Information about American Cancer Society

It is one of the largest non-profit organizations in America committed to saving, preventing and enhancing the fight against cancer. Governed by a single board of directors, the organization incorporates policies, strategic plans and allocates resources that are key in its operations. The society is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with over 11 local and regional offices across America. The Atlanta, Georgia office is the nerve center of the organization as a whole carrying out functions of management such as human resource, IT, financial management et cetera. The local and regional offices, on the other hand, are focused on engaging the larger American populace on the need to fight cancer, delivery of patient services and programs, and fundraising at the grassroots level. The offices are spread strategically to enhance the organizations impact and effectiveness with the donations made to it in the fight against cancer. With over 3 million dedicated volunteers, the American Cancer Society has grown from strength to strength. Under the support of key professional personnel, the volunteers have been integral in actualizing the organization’s mission statement.

Primary Activities of the American Cancer Society

The activities carried out by the organization are summarized into three categories stay well (prevention), get well(treatment), finding cures and fighting back (policy-making). In the first category, stay well (prevention) the organization helps in the generation of guidelines to the general public about screening tests, nutrition and physical activity core in preventing cancer. The organization’s website platform also allows individuals to develop their own health action plan that they may use to talk with their doctors about healthy lifestyle and cancer screening tests. The next category, get well (treatment), centers on the provision of round the clock help to people through their experience with cancer. The organization’s answers queries and offers practical solutions to daily problems that cancer diagnosed individuals face. It also offers linkages to over 6,000 ongoing clinical trials and both immaterial and material support to cancer patients and their families. As part of its activities, the organization endeavors to find cures for cancer through funding and conducting research. The organization has managed to make headway in various research fields regarding lifestyle choices and cancers, correlation between various types of cancer and establishing new tests for cancer. The organization has also been at the fore front in rallying lawmakers in creating laws and policies aimed at eradicating cancer.

Primary Source of Funds

The major financers of the organization are mainly volunteers drawn from the public and corporate world. The organization through its regional offices and reputation as a non-profitable organization has continued to draw volunteers and individuals who pledge funds to help in its day to day operations. Many corporations, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility activities, contribute to the society’s kitty

Relationship between Mission, Activities and Funds of the American Cancer Society Organization

With the key mission of eliminating cancer, the American Cancer Society embarks in various activities. These activities are all geared on offering prevention, treatment, finding cures and establishing effective anti-cancer policies. All these activities can be achieved effectively with proper funding which the organization draws from well-wishers, volunteers, charity organizations and the corporate world.

How Does the Work of The Non-Profit Organization facilitate public interest?

The organization is at the forefront in creating awareness on the public’s position in the fight against cancer. With its high number of members, the organization has managed to collectively advance campaigns for various causes for the public in relation to cancer. It has also created programs for various communities and individuals with the sole aim of creating awareness, reducing suffering, and alleviating cancer in totality.

References

American Cancer Society. (2015). American Cancer Society. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/