By Stefanie Asante-Totimeh, RN
GAC Commissioner
Government Affairs Commissioner
As nurses, we are advocates and leaders who continually work on behalf of our patients and community. We are also involved in decisions that affect our workplace and communities when we partake actively in our union and our workplace.
The professional nursing population provides a unique perspective. We celebrate our differences, and, in turn, we are at the forefront of providing patient-centered care and decisions. How then does political awareness come into play with nursing?
Political awareness as a nurse does not necessarily mean being affiliated with a political party. I believe it is important that nurses continue to be aware of their political strength. In order to be a part of the decisions that affect us, we can start by volunteering in our nurses’ union or in our local governments on committees or boards to address the issues we feel passionate about. With nurses’ help, our communities can feel empowered and make more equitable decisions as a result of our input. We disempower our communities when we do not give a nurse’s perspective on issues that affect our health, education, and economic power.
As union nurses, we are collectively strong, which makes us a force to be reckoned with. We cannot let this power go to waste and complain about decisions that are unfavorable to us. Being a union member and a Government Affairs Commissioner (GAC) has afforded me more knowledge about the political world and ignited my fire to continue advocating for my patients, my family, my community, and myself.
Do you want to be part of the decision table that leads to progressive change in your community? You are the strength your community needs. Get actively involved in your union and create your story the way you want to. Start today by voting!