In our latest Fireside Chat, I had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Andrew Revkin, Senior Digital Strategy Manager at UICC (Union for International Cancer Control). As one of the world’s largest global membership organizations in cancer control, UICC brings together more than 1,100 members across 170+ countries - and Andrew shared how community plays a critical role in making that mission possible.

Here are a few key takeaways from the conversation:

Community connects a global, diverse ecosystem year-round.
UICC runs major global initiatives like World Cancer Day, the World Cancer Congress, and the World Cancer Leaders Summit. But as Andrew explained, the real challenge was staying connected between events. UICC Connect was created to bridge that gap - giving cancer professionals a shared digital space to collaborate 24/7, regardless of geography or resources.

“Connect, learn, share, solve, and shape” is more than a mantra.
UICC Connect is built around a clear philosophy: enabling members not just to exchange knowledge, but to actively shape global cancer policy. By bringing together organizations from different regions, income levels, and health systems, the community helps surface shared challenges and transferable solutions.

Small connections can make a big difference.
One powerful example Andrew shared was a member seeking help translating materials into another language - and quickly finding support from someone else in the community. These moments may seem simple, but they highlight how peer-to-peer knowledge sharing removes real barriers and empowers members to act faster and more effectively.

Learning works best when it doesn’t end with the course.
UICC Connect brings structured learning (self-paced and live courses) together with ongoing discussion and connection. Instead of members disappearing after completing a course, the community gives them a reason to stay engaged - continuing conversations, sharing experiences, and learning from peers beyond the curriculum.

Engagement grows when participation feels easy and human.
Andrew emphasized the importance of understanding your audience, accepting that many members are “learners” rather than active posters, and lowering the barrier to participation. Initiatives like live community calls help put faces to names and make the platform feel more dynamic and welcoming.

💬 One reflection that stood out was Andrew’s focus on realism and empathy in community building: understanding that not everyone will contribute equally - and that success comes from making people feel comfortable enough to engage in ways that suit them.

UICC Connect is on a clear path to becoming the global destination for cancer professionals - a place where connection, learning, and collaboration come together to create real-world impact.