6 Steps to Starting a Nursing Advocacy Campaign

A step-by-step process for nurse advocates looking to start their own campaign in California.

In this section, you'll learn:

• Questions to consider before starting a campaign

• The components of a successful campaign

• Considerations regarding the scope and resources available

• A repeatable process for building a grassroots advocacy campaign

The basis for any successful advocacy campaign is having the right mix of credibility, influence, and timing. Having a process and a plan is critical to help you achieve this quickly.

Without credibility, a campaign will have no legs to stand on; without influence, a campaign won't get the momentum it needs to achieve its goals; and without proper timing, one may miss out on opportunities to reach the right people needed to create change.

That's why ANA\California created a six-step process for creating an advocacy campaign.

This section will highlight the advocacy process ANA\California uses frequently to illustrate how we coordinate the credibility, influence, and timing behind our advocacy.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting a Nursing Advocacy Campaign

Before starting a campaign, you should first consider some initial questions:

• What is your goal?

• Who falls within the scope of your issue?

• How many people will your campaign need to create change?

• What resources will be required?

Questions like these will help you address key details that will impact your campaign, such as how long it will take to create change, what political will may be necessary, and what solutions may work for all parties involved.

When thinking about the scope of your issue, ask yourself questions like:

• Does your issue encompass or affect all nurses?

• Is it restricted to a specific region or specialty?

• How will patients and communities be impacted?

• What will other healthcare professionals and health systems think about your issue?

Understanding that there