RACINE - The Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, a grassroots advocacy organization founded in 1994, to stand up and speak out about breast cancer, is sponsoring its 2nd Annual "Beyond the Pink Ribbon" Advocacy Training.

This event, which is free and open to the public, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 12 at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St. (Highway C), Racine.

The day's schedule will be as follows:

* 8:30-9:15 a.m. - Breakfast & registration

* 9:15-10:15 a.m. - Keynote speech

* 10:30-11:45 a.m. - Panel discussion

* Noon-1 p.m. - Lunch

* 1-2:30 p.m. - Breakout sessions

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will be the event's keynote speaker, addressing health care access issues. Rep. Ryan's address will be followed by a panel discussion with state Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine; state Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine; Health Care Network Director Barb Tylenda; and Racine City Health Administrator Janelle Grammer. Panel members will provide their unique perspectives on how citizens can participate in the process of policy change by being well-informed advocates.

Following lunch, there will be breakout sessions on clinical trials, genetic counseling, the science of breast cancer, and participation in WBCC Advocacy Day. Information in the breakout sessions will be provided by experts in their fields, including Dr. Richard Odders, medical oncologist at Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Care-All Saints.

All participants will receive a WBCC Advocacy Tool Kit with information on how to contact state and federal representatives, sample scripts and letters, and tips for productive communications with legislators.

To register, call (414) 963-2103 or e-mail wbcc@standupandspeakout.org