Whether you are planning to participate or not, read on — the spirit of this event is reaching far beyond the event itself!  We know that there are many nurses who are not able to be there, who wish they could, and who mightily support nursing activism!  So this “Think Tank” is not limited to the gathering!  The “Inspirations for Activism” series of blog posts has already prompted reflection – and even action –  on what is possible!  This series will continue through the end of July; at that point the series will shift to feature the activism of nurses who participate in the gathering. And the link to all of these posts will remain a permanent feature on NurseManifest.  If you are not already following this blog, you can do so now to receive an email notification of each of these posts — enter your email at the top of the right sidebar on any NurseManifest.com page!

For those interested in the event itself: YES!  The event is happening on July 30-31, 2018 at the College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst!  Over 70 nurses have indicated an interest in participating!  We have asked that everyone confirm your intent to participate by May 1, so if you have not yet done so, please complete the “Interest Form” by this coming Tuesday, May 1st! If May 1st slips by and you are eager to join us, the form will still be available and we want to hear from you — we will confirm space available – right up until the day we gather!

You can also use the principles and ideas we are creating for the gathering for any purpose you wish – any time and any where!  Here is a summary of the principles and guidelines we are using:

• Getting to know and appreciate the Self as a nurse activist
• Getting to know and appreciate one another in the context of nursing activism
• Getting to know and appreciate our communities and the social and political forces that shape them.

• There will be no speakers or planned presentations – this IS a think tank!
• What happens over the course of the two days will be fluid and flexible, created by all of us as participants.
• The process for our group interactions will be based on Peace and Power, enacting as fully as possible the powers of process, appreciation, the whole, sharing, nurturing, consciousness and creativity.
• All forms of activism, all points of view, will be fully respected while at the same time providing for one another the kinds of constructive questions and challenges that lead to growth and change.
• Day 1: the focus will be on developing and sharing our stories of activism — a process led by Nurstory team members.
• Day 2: deep discussion and reflection in large and smaller groups, envisioning possibilities for the future and building networks of support.

• Continue to follow, and revisit the NurseManifest blog series “Inspirations for Activism.” These posts will continue to appear every Tuesday and Friday through July.  After our gathering, these posts will feature participants in the Think Tank – according to your wishes and consent!
• The Peace & Power concepts and the Commitment involved in putting these concepts into Action are available on the Peace and Power website.