What is nursing activism?

I was delighted to attend the launch of the Activism Academy at Congress in Newport, to see so many members in the room (standing room only!)  and to be part of the buzz of conversation as participants discussed what activism meant to them. 
 
To me, activism is all about getting involved. It’s taking action for positive change on something that really matters. For some, that activism may be political, for others, it may be rooted in our communities, where nursing staff are often powerful agents for social change.  Within the RCN, activism may start through involvement in your local branch, through becoming an accredited trade union representative, by becoming involved in a forum, or taking part in a campaign. All great ways of being involved.
 
My professional activism started through involvement with a forum – working alongside peers who shared a passion for my specialty of children’s cancer nursing. Together, we strengthened the voice of nursing in children’s cancer care and developed guidance and standards for nursing practice. My involvement in the forum led to opportunities for multiprofessional collaboration and representing the RCN in decision making on national bodies. My professional activism at the RCN has been a thread running through my clinical career – each strand contributing to my own professional development and my ability to make a difference at a regional, national, and international level. 
 
There are currently 35 professional forums at the RCN, and each one is focused on a particular field of nursing practice (mental health, learning disability, or children’s nursing), a specialty (such as cancer, diabetes or emergency care) or a cross-cutting theme (education, research, leadership and management)”. Everyone can join a forum, no matter where your interests or areas of expertise lie – take a look at all the various ways you can get involved. You can also see other ways you can get be an activist with us through our Activism Academy webpage.