Developing a Program-In-Action Story

Susan DerrickComprehensive Cancer Control Branch

Division of Cancer Prevention and ControlMay 16, 2008

Our purpose today is:

• Assist you with or enhance your writing of a success story

• How to Develop a Program-in –Action Story

• Begin discussing/drafting/planning your own story

NCI

NACCHO

ICC

LAF

CDD

ACOS

NAACCR

C-Change

CDC

ACS

CCCPartners

National CCC Partners

Success stories are about programs-in-action

• Progress•Achievements•Lessons Learned•Request for Action

CDC uses stories to -

• Educate decision-makers• Obtain needed resources• Demonstrate that funds are well spent• Respond to public inquiries• Inform other grantees

Format• Descriptive title• Program name• Statement of public health issue• Description of the activity

Include beneficiary/audience and partners

• Results (quantify when possible)• Impact & implications for future work• Contact information

Style• Get to the point right away• Use plain language• Be concise• Use only facts• Avoid passive voice• Include direct quotes• Limit use of acronyms• Avoid jargon

Comprehensive Cancer Control = Team Effort

• We cannot do things alone

• We can make a difference using a “team approach”

Thank you!

Susan Derrick

Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch

Division of Cancer Prevention and Control

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Phone: (770) 488-3070

Email: sderrick@cdc.gov