National Nurses United

RAD:1 8/15/07 3:30 PM Page 9 Rose Ann DeMoro Executive Director, CNA/NNOC Nurses in the House The 2007 House of Delegates convention is a time to learn, laugh, and lead h a s i t b e e n two years already? The 2007 House of Delegates convention in Sacramento is just around the corner, and it seems that the two-year period between Houses seems to go by faster every time. It's a stirring reminder of how full and dynamic our activist community has become, that the time just flies by. It's also a solemn reminder that as we welcome new leadership, we also say goodbye to those who have dedicated years of their lives to representing their regions on the Board of Directors. Most importantly, however, it is a time of community and equality, when nurses from all over California, and now, from all over the country, convene to share and learn side by side, and to draw inspiration from each other for coming battles. We're exceptionally pleased that this year's House of Delegates will include members from all over the country, as well as guests from abroad. To celebrate our growth, we will be reflecting on the role each new state plays in our organization, and what fresh perspectives they can bring to us. They will be fighting battles that we may have already won, or battles that we have never faced, but one thing is for sure: together we are stronger. The House of Delegates provides opportunities to see old friends and make new ones, to celebrate our victories, and to have some fun (we've got a great line up of activities this year). Crucially, however, the House provides the stage for members to actively shape policy and take part in democracy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for our membership to be involved and shape their destiny in this organization. The House allows a unique perspective on how we work together as a union, a perspective that is interactive. There's a reason nurses consistently rank at the top of polls of the most respected profes- We defeated an anti-union governor and successfully rallied voters to shoot down all of his anti-union special election propositions down in flames. We deployed a national network of RNs to storm-ravaged areas of the South, providing emergency medical relief to populations who had been stranded by inept federal agencies. We welcomed nurses from Illinois and Maine into our ranks, and began working in several other states to give nurses the justice of a fair contract. Most significantly, we have picked up the reins for the campaign to ensure every single American has free guaranteed healthcare for life, and we will not put them down until we have won The House provides the stage for members to actively shape policy and take part in democracy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for our membership to be involved and shape their destiny in this organization. The House allows a unique perspective on how we work together as a union, a perspective that is interactive. sions. It's because we are dignified. Because we care. Because we are smart. Because we have an inherent sense of justice. Nurses wield enormous influence in the world today. If you doubt that, take a look at the events of the past two years, which we'll be celebrating in September. Look Out Sacramento, Here We Come! It wouldn't be a House of Delegates convention without a street action, and this year's meeting does not disappoint. Hundreds of nurses will be marching and rallying for universal healthcare modeled after single-payer, a form of Medicare for all. Lend your voice and energy to the message we're sending to lawmakers at this critical time in the healthcare reform debate. Come out to the rally! Time: Noon, Sept. 11 Place: Sacramento State Capitol, near L and 10th streets that basic human right for everybody. We have the power to shape policy, and to step in where the government fears to go. As shown by Schwarzenegger's staggering special election defeat and the impact that RNRN has had on disaster areas, the nurses can be more effective than the "big boys" in the government. The convention is not just a time for us to reflect upon those victories and rest on our laurels; it is the starting line where we begin exercising our democracy before taking it down to the street to the state Capitol, and further along to Washington, D.C. The House of Delegates may come every two years, but the movement we plan on stirring up will carry us for the next two years and for many more to come after that. The House isn't just an event—it's the start of something beautiful. I'll see you in September. What: March and rally for single-payer healthcare for all For more information, visit the CNA/NNOC website at www.calnurses.org or www.nnoc.net. J U LY | A U G U S T 2 0 0 7 W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G Rose Ann DeMoro is executive director of CNA/NNOC. REGISTERED NURSE 9

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