|
Voices of Advocacy
to Reach Global Goals
|
|
Throughout my four years of being a nursing student, I have been and am still learning the importance of advocating for marginalized populations, as well as for patients and families I encounter. I thought, “Sure, I can advocate for my patients, but how am I supposed to change the lives of people living half way across the world from me?” |
How am I supposed |
I had always believed that addressing global health challenges and making significant changes to realize the SDGs were farfetched goals for just one person, especially me! After all, I am just one small person in a big world with no apparent ability to influence important stakeholders and policymakers.
On November 11, 2017, I had the opportunity to join a group of passionate and dedicated nurses and nursing students to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how social media can be used to advocate for change.
On November 11, 2017, I had the opportunity to join a group of passionate and dedicated nurses and nursing students to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how social media can be used to advocate for change.
I was very skeptical of |
This exciting workshop, “Voices to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: A Multimedia Advocacy Workshop”, took place in the region of Peel in Ontario, Canada. It was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Peel Chapter of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH). I, along with other participants, learned the effective uses of social media, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) outlined by the United Nations.
|
|
I was very skeptical of the idea that a few nurses could implement change on a global level to improve the lives of many. To me, it sounded too good to be true. However, to my delight and surprise, I was convinced otherwise. With the availability of social media, we have the ability to communicate, exchange ideas with and even challenge others that live half way across the world. A single post on social media has the possibility of going viral, reaching millions of people.
As nurses and nursing students, we have a unique combination of knowledge on health and therapeutic communication skills that we can utilize to make a change in the world. As well, the nursing profession is one of the most trusted in the world, and we can use this honorable platform to raise awareness and build momentum on important global health issues, including facilitating actions toward the 17 SDGs. |
|
Changing |
With the combination of social media and the skills we have and develop as nurses and nursing students, imagine what we could accomplish! Changing the lives of people on a global level may not be so farfetched. When I entered nursing school, I did so with the intention of making changes in the lives of people I directly encounter. Through this workshop, I gained confidence and faith in the idea that I, along with my colleagues, can make changes in the lives of people around the world without directly meeting them. I found that nursing as a profession provides a platform for nurses and nursing students to have a voice, in fact, a very powerful voice. |
|
Nursing as a profession provides a platform for nurses and nursing students to have a voice, in fact, a very powerful voice. |
About the Author: Aya Tagami is a fourth year nursing student at York University. She is a proud and active member of the Peel Chapter of RNAO, participating in and volunteering at workshops and events hosted by the Chapter. At school, Aya holds an executive position as a 4th Year Collaborative Nursing Student Representative for the Nursing Students’ Association at York (NSAY), acting as a liaison between nursing students and faculty of York University School of Nursing. Aya was born in England and grew up in Japan, the United States, and Canada. This experience allowed her to encounter people of many cultural backgrounds and led her to realize her passion in working with diverse populations to achieve a more peaceful, healthy world.
Image Captions, Credits & Links:
TOP: United Nations SDGs Golour Wheel featuring 17 SDG Logos used with UN SDG Media Guidelines
MIDDLE RIGHT: Members of the Executive Board of RNAO Peel Chapter / from left: Anita Tsang-Sit, Poonam Sharma,
Ioana Gheorghiu, Christine Bintakies and, in front, Sandrina Ntamwemezi / used with permission from Aya's photos
LOWER LEFT: Aya Tagami holding the RNAO's publication 'The Voice for Nursing in Ontario' and the UN SDG Logos Chart
with Wayne Kines and Deva-Marie Beck of the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health
TOP: United Nations SDGs Golour Wheel featuring 17 SDG Logos used with UN SDG Media Guidelines
MIDDLE RIGHT: Members of the Executive Board of RNAO Peel Chapter / from left: Anita Tsang-Sit, Poonam Sharma,
Ioana Gheorghiu, Christine Bintakies and, in front, Sandrina Ntamwemezi / used with permission from Aya's photos
LOWER LEFT: Aya Tagami holding the RNAO's publication 'The Voice for Nursing in Ontario' and the UN SDG Logos Chart
with Wayne Kines and Deva-Marie Beck of the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health