National Nurses United

and the idea that some people are naturally worth less than others. If some people are worth less, our panelists explained, it's easier for employers to exploit them for profit, and that's why it's so important that nurses reject discrim- ination of all kinds. It was cathartic and inspiring to hear Federici and Kelley articulate so clearly what we see every day at work and emphasize the importance of our vision, as nurses. Nurse delegates also dove deep into the con- ference theme, "Scope of Solidarity," in a session with Global Nurses United leaders and international guests reflecting on lessons from the past year. Jibin T C, National Working Secretary of the United Nurses Association (UNA) of India, outlined how a fai- lure of India's public health system, lack of employer and political will, and rampant profiteering in the private health care sector, among other factors, contributed to the Delta variant surge in that country. He outlined the importance of nurses standing together interna- tionally to combat future pandemics, saying that UNA "will make sure our support will be with Global Nurses United and all the nurses" across the globe. Vaccine equity was also top of mind with our global guests, as many low-income countries struggle to get even single digit percentages of their population vaccinated. "We are witnessing what can only be described as vaccine apart- heid," said Carina Vance Mafla, co-coordinator of Progressive International's Union for Vaccine Internationalism and a member of the National Front for Health and Social Protection of Ecuador. Panel guests emphasized the importance of organizing and solidar- ity in delivering vaccines to areas of the world so far excluded from the vaccine rollout—and in generally improv- ing the lives of patients around the world. "We are at a moment where people all over the planet, perhaps motivated by the Covid cri- sis, but also motivated by so many crises that are apparent and deadly, are rising up strong," said panel guest Ruth Wilson Gilmore, profes- sor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Center for Place, Culture, and Politics at CUNY Graduate Center. In addition to panel discussions, nurses had the opportunity to take CE courses on important topics such as Covid and the crisis of care work, the latest science on Covid-19, fighting for Covid vaccine equity, the history of public health, the future of labor, and more. Nurses also saw their personal experiences reflected in the closing night program, "Uncharted," a mini-documentary featuring the stories of seven NNU and GNU registered nurses who faced dev- astating losses and experienced life-changing victories throughout Covid-19. You can view the video on NNU's Vimeo page. (Warning: Get a whole box of tissues ready!) On the final day, delegates came together for the most important work of the convention: passing the union's resolutions for the com- ing years. We could not be more proud of the forward-thinking resolutions that passed this year. In addition to calling for a stepped- up fight against Covid, this year's resolutions also recommitted the union's fight for workers' rights, Medicare for All, global health and vaccine equity, and racial and gender justice. Covid-19 has shown us so clearly that the society we currently live in just isn't working. Nurses know there's a better way—a world that values people and the planet over profit. And we also know that every time we come together and advance our commitment to a cul- ture of care, we are one step closer to making this vision a reality. Kari Jones is a communications specialist for National Nurses United. O C T O B E R | N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G N A T I O N A L N U R S E 17 priorities based on human need. B Y K A R I J O N E S "As union nurses, we're going to stand together . . . and continue course correcting our way to a better world."

• Cover