The first … American Nurses Advocacy Institute
Participants of the first American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI)
ANA launched the first American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) October 25th through 27th in Washington, DC. The intent of the Institute is to create increased visibility from a well – prepared and connected cadre of registered nurses equipped to influence health policy at the local, state, and national levels. Institute Fellows will be viewed as a political action/advocacy leader for the ANA Constituent Member Association (CMA – state nurses association). In this capacity, the Fellow will provide counsel to the board, government affairs/legislative committee and volunteers related to establishing legislative/regulatory priorities, recommended strategies and draft plan for execution for the advancement of a policy issue, while educating members about the political realities.
The three day event, culminating in visits with members of Congress, is the beginning of a year-long mentored journey. Endorsed by their CMA, twenty five ANAI Fellows have returned to work with their association to advance a policy issue within the state. Highlights during the program included the key note address from Minnesota Representative Erin Murphy, RN in which she related her experience with policy change while serving in her various roles which include: staff nurse; association leader; lobbyist; and now legislator. Attendees also benefitted from an interactive session on message development and dealing with media interviews. A session on the political realities of enacting law, aptly named, “How a bill doesn’t become a law”, was another favorite session. Ongoing communication, including regularly scheduled calls between Fellows, ANA staff and mentors will round out this unique experience.
Janet Haebler, MSN, RN
Tags: American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI), November-December 2009
