Reflections on the Nursing Activism Think Tank


Participants in the Think Tank on July 30-31 share brief snippets describing the experience! We were over 50 strong over the 2 days; the photo below includes about half the group – those who lingered late at the end of the 2 days to organize a group photo!  Over the coming weeks watch for more “inspirations” posts that will share more of our stories, visions and actions!

Nicky Lambert – My experience connecting with colleagues at the Think Tank was  exciting, energising and productive. It was an opportunity to be submerged in ideas and inspiration, it was such a pleasure to have time to think about who we are and what we do. I was refreshed and reinvigorated by being with other nurses – I get why it’s called a ‘Think Tank’ now!

Alison – Supportive

Rachel Walker – Nurses promote healing for people and communities harmed by broken & unjust systems. Nurse activists struggle to heal the brokenness & injustice of the systems that harm people.

Donnean – Empowered

Ginny – Inspiring leadership action based on the core of nursing to transform our organizations. Whoo hoo!

Joyce – Fierce compassion

Beth – I felt like I was with a supportive family that validated my concerns and direction.

Maureen – thought-provoking and inspirational

Megan – I am so deeply grateful to have been part of this powerful community experience and I feel replenished. But if I can offer only few words to the reflection blog I will borrow these for now: “Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself.” – Walt Whitman

Vanessa – Transformative.

Robin Cogan – Watch for my post appearing soon on The Relentless School Nurse: Be Brave Enough to Start a Conversation That Matters.

Mary – Nurse activism to improve conditions for working nurses improves patient outcomes also- two sides of the same coin.

Peggy – Deep friendship, community. Unforgettable affirmation of “trusting the process.”

Jennifer
leading with heart, mind naturally follows
watering seeds of life
the flowers and the nectar
sweetly nourish

Seja – Energizing, motivating, and exciting

Lisa – I felt amazing inspiration and made lifelong connections that will allow me to move in a positive direction with loving people right where they are (my Nursing activism).

Rorry – Inspiring support. I wanted more!!

Sandy – My word is “validated.”

Cory Ellen – My one phrase reflection on my experience is “casting on,” which I think is an apt metaphor for this initial making of linkages among people, experiences, and goals. I look forward to building on it in the future.

Jessica – Nursing IS a radical act.

Brenda – 

Activism & Advocacy: Our Shared Humanity
Souls singing, spirits renewed,
Authenticity and vulnerability embraced,
Truth to power, voice to vision,
Bearing witness to our collective story,
Ever cognizant to the call of the community,
So very grateful for new connections,
Kindred spirits on this path of activism and advocacy.

Michelle – awakening
Cathy – connected communities
Gerri – Not so much a ‘think tank. More of a reflecting well, around which we gathered and drank. And now, the challenge.
Margaret – Soul food

Elizabeth Berrey (1945 – )


Inspiration for Activism!  

  • Active in nursing organizations throughout Baccalaureate program (Baylor University) and master’s program (University of Maryland), including serving as president of Texas Nursing Students Association.
  • Featured speaker at nursing conferences and conventions on the importance of nurses as agents for change and advocates for better healthcare.
  • First nurse appointed to the MetroHealth Hospital Board of Trustees (1985-1990).
  • First private practice in nursing in Ohio (1980-1986).
  • Appointed to the Ohio Board of Nursing (1987-1992) advocating for nursing autonomy and control of our own practice.
  • Only nurse to serve on the Governor’s Commission on Ohio Health Care Costs.
  • Advocate for LGBTQIA health, and reducing healthcare disparities based on ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
  • New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium Leadership Team & founding member.
  • Interviewer for the Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project, preserving stories in the Smith College Archives of lesbians over 70 from all walks of life.
  • Coordinator of the New Mexico OLOC chapter (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change); sponsor forums for women candidates from all political affiliations.
  • Voter Registrar in New Mexico.
  • The Resistance since Nov. 2016.
  • Actively working on the Michelle Luhan Grisham campaign for Governor and the Deb Haaland campaign for US Congress.

Read text of Elizabeth’s speeches!

National Nurses Week 2007

1994 Center for Families & Children

Rula Al Safar


Inspiration for Activism

  • Advocates for medical neutrality
  • Stood up to injustice in Bahrain during the Arab Spring in 2011 & put her life on the line to treat injured protesters.
  • Jailed & held for 5 months in a Bahranian prison where she was tortured.
  • President of the Bahraini Nursing Society

More information here and here

Wait List for the Nursing Activism Think Tank


We have reached the point of shifting to a “wait list” for the Nursing Activism Think Tank – which means over 50 nurses have completed the Think Tank Interest Form.  But do not let this stop you, if you are interested!  Complete the form now for a couple of reasons:

  • One, a place might open up, and we will contact the next person on the wait list as soon as this happens. We will confirm the commitment to attend with those on the “attending” list by May 1st.  There may be openings any time, but if you are on the wait list, we should be able to let you know by May 1st at the latest.
  • Two, this will inspire us to consider additional ways to support everyone who is interested in this kind of opportunity.  We know this is happening already just be announcing that we are doing this, and by posting our “inspirations for activism” series every Tuesday and Friday, featuring nurses past and present who are engaged in activism in many different ways.

So if you are interested in what is happening, follow this blog, and never hesitate to let us know your ideas – we have a contact form for that!!

Think Tank is reaching capacity!


This is one of those situations that brings great joy and great sadness at the same time!  We are almost to our capacity of 50 nurses who are planning, or hoping to participate in the Nursing Activism Think Tank in July, and once we reach that number we will have to start a waiting list.  The great joy is that so many nurses are coming forward to declare that activism in nursing is alive and well – just knowing that this is true is an inspiration!  The great sadness is that our capacity is limited for a face-to-face gathering such as this.

We will continue to encourage people to complete the interest form and will let people know the status of your “place” on the list.  All confirmations will be finalized by May 1st.

We will continue to explore ways to support nursing activism – it may be possible to organize other similar face-to-face gatherings.  In fact we hope by organizing this gathering we inspire others to do the same!  If you are interested in doing something similar in the future, let us know – we will do what we can to support what you envision!  We will also share, on this website, what we learn from the July Think Tank!  So stay tuned!